114 THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A 26-WEEK CLASS AND HOME-BASED OTAGO EXERCISE PROGRAMME ON BALANCE CONFIDENCE AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Background Falls have a substantial burden on the Irish economy and individual. The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) is cost-effective falls prevention programme that can prevent 35% of falls. This study aims to evaluate effectiveness 26-week modified OEP using combined delivery approach physiotherapists Therapists (ET) balance confidence physical performance in older adults rural Ireland. Methods Study-design: A prospective pre-post single arm intervention study. Older (≥60 years) were recruited from HSE waiting lists for which consisted group-class (1x/week) home (3x/week). Participants assessed at baseline, 6, 16 26 weeks. Outcome measures (OMs) compared pre post Paired T-Tests Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. repeated-measures ANOVA OMs across time points. Results Improvements detected CONFbal scale (diff = 2.12, 95% CI=1.353-2.803, p<0.01), 30-second sit-to-stand 3.49, CI= 2.361-4.201, timed-up go 2.38, CI=8.08-12.0, functional reach 9.158, CI=6.758-11.294, 180° turn 1.04, CI=3-5, four-test 0.61, CI=1.0-3.0, p<0.01). Significant changes are noted each measure (p<0.05) with small-moderate positive effects (ηp2=0.32-0.512). most significant seen between week-0 (4.92 ±1.784) week-6 (4.44 ±1.258) followed by plateau results. Conclusion Confidence improved significantly intervention, suggesting physiotherapist ET effective. Static dynamic improvements may after 6-weeks participants not been adequately challenged. Lower limb strength mobility continued improve throughout an effective