International Journal of Physical Education Sports and Health · Sep 2026

Effect of gaze stabilization exercise and otago exercise programme versus placebo eye movement and otago exercise programme on balance and fear of fall in elderly population

By P DS, M MA, K S

Background: Balance impairment and fear of falling are common problems among older adults and may contribute to activity restriction, functional dependence, and increased fall risk. The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) improves lower-limb strength and balance, while Gaze Stabilization Exercises (GSE) target the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and may enhance sensory integration and postural control. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of GSE combined with OEP versus placebo eye movement combined with OEP on balance and fear of falling among older adults. Methods: A pre-test and post-test experimental study was conducted among 30 older adults recruited using convenience sampling and randomly allocated into two groups of 15 participants each. Group A received GSE with OEP, whereas Group B received Placebo Eye Movement with OEP. Intervention was provided for 60 minutes, three days per week, for six weeks. Balance, mobility, lower-limb functional strength, and fear of falling were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test (30s-STS), and Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), respectively. Paired and unpaired t tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Both groups showed meaningful improvements from pre-test to post-test. In Group A, mean BBS increased from 31.87 to 40.60, FES decreased from 23.27 to 17.13, TUG decreased from 21.47 to 13.53 seconds, and 30s-STS increased from 8.93 to 14.47 repetitions. In Group B, BBS increased from 31.93 to 36.67, FES decreased from 23.27 to 20.80, TUG decreased from 21.73 to 18.53 seconds, and 30s-STS increased from 9.00 to 11.80 repetitions. Between-group comparisons demonstrated significant differences favoring Group A. Conclusion: GSE combined with OEP produced greater improvements in balance, mobility, functional lower-limb performance, and reduction in fear of falling than Placebo Eye Movement combined with OEP.

doi.org/10.22271/kheljournal.2026.v13.i9a.4790 Open access Interventions