A new approach to exercise offers older adults fall prevention and fitness at Cascade Medical Center in Leavenworth. Originally developed in New Zealand, the Group Otago Exercise Program is a 16-week, evidence-based regime focused on balance, strength and reducing injuries.
Led by physical therapist Katie Faw, the system is designed to help seniors maintain independence and stay active – and research shows it can reduce falls by up to 35%. Hip fractures are a devasting injury for older adults and often result in isolation and higher mortality. Otago keeps participants on their feet and connected to their community.
So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We have people in their nineties enjoying the program,” says Faw. “They really want to stay engaged and do things that bring joy and give them life. And they look out for each other, letting us know if they’re worried about a friend or neighbor.”
Faw has screened 120 individuals since the program’s inception last June, and 15-25 people regularly join the twice-weekly sessions (anyone is welcome to come back). Every eight weeks, Faw checks on client progress, which allows her to match people with others at their challenge level.
Assessments at the start and mid-point of the program are also a chance for physical therapists to catch and address changes in a patient’s health status and function before they worsen.
So how did Otago, which started as an individual-focused regime in New Zealand, become a team program on the other side of the globe? Thank physical therapist and Group Otago creator Kele Murdin.
Murdin learned of Otago more than a decade ago and immediately saw its potential. Key to growing the program was expanding it from incremental, one-on-one instruction to group sessions. After completing her own research, Murdin developed her protocol and trained local instructors like Faw.
“I want to help as many people as possible,” says Murdin. “We’re at 13 sites in Washington now, and the more individuals we can reach before they get in trouble with an injury, the better. The support we get from hospitals and therapists like Katie Faw is enormously helpful in reaching those who can benefit from Group Otago.”
Plus, the program is free for participants thanks to the extra time Murdin spends applying for grants. It all means fewer canes, more skiing and longer lives.
