Effect of Otago Exercises versus Square-Stepping Exercises on Balance, Fall, and Functional Activities in Geriatric Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that leads to disability. The prevalence of symptomatic knee OA is approximately 22% to 39% in India, which causes significant morbidity and impairment in elderly individuals. Objective To study the effects of Otago exercise versus square-stepping exercises (SSEs) on balance, fall, and functional activities in geriatric individuals with OA knee. Methods A study was carried out at Pune among 40 geriatric individuals with age over 65 years. The individuals were assigned at random to the Otago exercise group or SSE. Both groups performed exercises for 40–45 min for 10 days. The primary outcome was balance, which was measured by the Berg Balance Scale and Limits of Stability test. The secondary outcomes were risk of fall, measured by the Morse fall scale and functional activity, measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scale. Results Both the groups showed significant differences post intervention within the groups (P 15.24) and limits of stability. The SSE group showed a higher mean difference in Morse fall scale (18.81 > 8.8) and WOMAC scale (18.81 > 8.8). Conclusion The study concluded that, in older patients with OA knee, Otago exercise is more successful at enhancing balance but SSE is more effective at enhancing fall risk and functional activity.

Keywords

• limits of stability
• oa knee
• otago exercise
• square-stepping exercise