Otago
Otago is an evidence based strength and balance exercise programme to reduce falls in frailer older people
Otago
Falls and consequent injuries are an important threat to our older citizens and a major public health concern. About one-third of citizens aged 65 years and above experience at least one fall a year and suffer from serious injury, increased mortality risk, decrease of overall health status, confidence, mobility and independence, and decreased quality of life. For people over 80 years old the risk is higher with about half of them experiencing a fall annually. Scientists suggest that if there is no prevention, the number of injuries is expected to double by 2030. Falls can cause 20-30% of mild to sever injuries and are the underlying cause of 10-15% of all emergency department visits (WHO,2007). In the UK, there is one hip fracture every 10min, a wrist fracture every 9 minutes and a spine vertebral fracture every 3 minutes. Poor muscle strength and balance are major risk factors for falls and injuries (Skelton & Todd, 2004) but there is strong evidence that exercise can reduce falls.
Otago is an evidence based strength and balance exercise programme to reduce falls in frailer older people. It is a collaboration with Professor John Campbell and Dr Clare Robertson of Otago University, New Zealand and with Julie Whitney of Kings College Hospital Trust, London, UK.
Some of the evidence suggests that the OTAGO Exercise Programme
-
Improves function, strength and balance
-
It is effective in reducing falls
-
Effective when delivered by trained specialists
-
Most effective for people over 80
-
Cost effective for those aged 65+ years
-
Ineffective if the are no progression options
-
Improves cognitive function
-
Reduces mortality