High-velocity resistance training versus the Otago exercise program to reduce fall risk in older adults

A Comparative Study of High Velocity Resistance Training Versus Otago Exercise Training on Falling Risk in Elderly : A Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial will test whether high-velocity resistance training or the Otago exercise program better reduces fall risk in adults over 65 who limit activity because of fear of falling.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 65 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Beni-Suef University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo, Cairo Governorate)
• Trial ID: NCT07204808 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized prospective interventional trial will enroll 40 community-dwelling adults aged over 65 who have an increased risk of falling. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 20 will follow the Otago exercise program and 20 will receive high-velocity resistance training, with both groups continuing their normal activities of daily living. Eligibility uses screening tools including short-FES and a fall-risk checklist, and outcomes focus on changes in fall risk and functional mobility. The intervention requires supervised, in-person exercise sessions at Beni-Suef University.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are independently ambulatory adults over 65 who have limited activity due to concern about falling or meet fall-risk screening thresholds (short-FES > 7 or fall-risk checklist ≥ 4).

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled cardiopulmonary disease, significant neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting ambulation, recent surgery, diagnosed dementia, major sensory impairments, severe hypotension, or who are non-ambulatory are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the better-performing program could lower fall risk and help older adults maintain independence and confidence in daily activities.

How similar studies have performed: Both the Otago program and high-velocity resistance training have shown benefits for balance and fall risk in prior studies, but direct head-to-head comparisons remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>65 years old.
* Both sex.
* Have limited their activity level due to concern about falling (with or without falling) score by short -FES \> 7 and by
* fall risk check list ≥ 4.
* Participants will be independently ambulating

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any uncontrolled non musculoskeletal conditions that would make testing difficult and uncomfortable such as chronic obstructive airways disease and/or congestive heart failure.
* A pre-existing neurological condition that affects lower-limb strength, balance and or ambulation (e.g., polio, stroke).
* Any uncontrolled musculoskeletal or orthopedic conditions that may affect ambulation (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis).
* Severe cerebrovascular or peripheral venous insufficiency.
* History of surgery within the past 6 weeks.
* Sensory impairments (vision, hearing, etc.) that affect communication
* Previous diagnosis of dementia.
* Hypotension (systolic blood pressure \<90 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure \<60 mmHg

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Cairo Governorate

• Beni-suef University — Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tamer Ibrahim Abo Elyazed, Professor — Beni-Suef University
• Study coordinator: Shaimaa Abu bakr bakr, Master degree

Conditions Falling Risk