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

A BSTRACT 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 < 0.05). Between-group analysis showed that the Otago exercise group showed a higher mean difference in the primary outcomes that is in the Berg Balance Scale (19.25 > 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.