Comparison of square stepping exercise training and otago exercise training in geriatric individuals in terms of balance and fear of falling: a randomized controlled study

Aim: This study aimed to compare and measure the effects of square stepping exercise and otago exercise training in terms of balance and fear of falling in geriatric individuals. Materials and Methods: Totally 105 healthy geriatric individuals between the ages 65-75 year were included in the study. Participants were divided into 3 groups by simple randomization: Otago Exercise Program (OEP) Square Stepping Exercise (SSE) and control group. Exercise groups received 45-minute exercise training 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Individuals were tested for lower extremity muscle strength, lower extremity functionality, balance, and fear of falling, respectively, with 30-second sit-to-stand (30CST), timed up-and-walk (TUG), Mini BEST, Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (TFES) and functional reach (FRT) tests. used. Assessments were repeated before and after treatment. Results: The average age of individuals in the OEP, SSE and control groups is respectively, 71.47±2.94; 69.74±23.53; 69.74±23.53 years (p>0.05). While 30CST, TUG, Mini BEST, FES-I and FRT increased significantly after treatment in the exercise groups (p<0.05), there was no change in the control group. In addition, the decrease in FES-I scores of the participants in the square stepping group was higher than the participants in the otago group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Square Stepping Exercise and Otago Exercise training application appears to increase lower extremity muscle strength and functionality in geriatric individuals, improve balance and reduce the fear of falling. However, the Square Stepping Exercise was found to be more effective in terms of fear of falling. Both exercise training is an effective method with low cost that can be used in clinical practice in terms of balance and fear of falling.