Effect of integrated Otago exercise and cognitive dual task training on fear and functional independence among young elderly patients with basophobia

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an integrated Otago exercise program combined with cognitive dual-task training on reducing basophobia by improving functional independence among basophobic young elders (ages 65-74 years). Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was employed, under randomized simple sampling technique, 34 elders with basophobia aged between 65-74 years under selection criteria, experiment were done with intervention group (17) underwent 12-week program of integrated Otago Exercise Program with Cognitive Dual-Task Training, and control group (17) followed traditional physiotherapy. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in both the MFS (Morse Fall Scale) and BBS (Berg Balance Scale) scores from pre-test to post- test. For the MFS, the pre-test score was 50.47 (SD = 2.18) decreased to 42.47 (SD = 2.34). The Z-ratio of -3.62 and a p-value below 0.05 indicate a statistically significant reduction in the MFS, with a large effect size of 3.53. For the BBS, the pre-test average was 41.82 (SD = 1.81), and the post-test score increased significantly to 53.11 (SD = 1.76). The Z-ratio of -3.62, with a p-value under 0.05, shows a significant improvement in balance, with a large effect size of 6.32. Conclusions: The combined Otago exercise and cognitive dual-task training intervention led to significant improvements in functional independence and balance in younger elderly individuals with basophobia. The intervention group showed considerable gains in both motor function and balance compared to the control group. These results suggest that this approach could be an effective way to enhance physical function and reduce fear in this population.