Effects of Otago Exercises and Gaze Stabilization Exercises on Balance, Gait and Quality of Life in Elderly Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: Balance impairment, gait dysfunction, and reduced quality of life are common consequences of stroke. Gaze stabilization and Otago exercises target different components of postural and mobility control, but their comparative effects after stroke remain uncertain. Objective: To compare the effects of gaze stabilization exercises, Otago exercises, and conventional treatment on balance, dynamic gait, and stroke-specific quality of life in adults with stroke. Methods: This assessor-blinded, three-group randomized clinical trial included 66 participants aged 50–70 years, with 22 participants assigned to each group. Group A received gaze stabilization exercises with conventional treatment, Group B received Otago exercises with conventional treatment, and Group C received conventional treatment alone. Interventions were delivered for 40 minutes per session, five days weekly for eight weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks using the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life scale. Results: All groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in all three outcomes over time (all p<0.001). At eight weeks, between-group differences were significant for balance (F=103.255, p<0.001), dynamic gait (F=28.685, p<0.001), and quality of life (F=6.957, p=0.002). Group A showed the largest mean improvements in BBS (+11.409), DGI (+7.728), and SSQoL (+31.318). Group A was superior to both other groups for BBS and DGI, whereas its SSQoL score differed significantly from Group C but not Group B. Conclusion: Gaze stabilization exercises produced the largest improvements in balance and dynamic gait. Both gaze stabilization and Otago exercises improved stroke-specific quality of life, although their eight-week SSQoL scores did not differ significantly