This research aimed to explore the effects of a 16-week Otago exercise program as an exercise intervention on functional fitness and Fullerton Advanced Balance scale in elderly women. It was conducted at N community elderly welfare center in B Metropolitan city, South Korea. A total of 29 subjects were recruited for this research. 14 were assigned to Otago exercise group and 15 were assigned to control group randomly. a 60 minute Otago exercise was applied to them as the intervention 3 times a week for 16 weeks. the Senior fitness test was performed to evaluate upper body and lower body strength, flexibility, dynamic balance & agility, and endurance. Fullerton Advanced Balance scale test was performed to measure static balance ability, dynamic balance ability, coordination ability, and position control ability. Mean and standard deviation were calculated to analyze the research data by using SPSS Version 21.0. Two-way repeated ANOVA was conducted to verify the differences between time and groups, and interaction between time and groups. Statistical significance was set at p<.05. This research showed that there was a statistically significant increase between groups in flexibility for Otago exercise group. Significant interactions between pre-post measurement and groups appeared in upper body and lower body strength, agility and dynamic balance, cardiovascular fitness for Otago exercise group. Significant increase between pre-post measurement among FAB scale items appeared in walk with feet in tandem walk, stand on one leg eyes opened, restore balance after backward disturbance and total score for Otago exercise group. It also showed that Significant interaction was in walk with feet in tandem walk, stand on one leg eyes opened, walking while turning head, restore balance after backward disturbance, and total score for Otago exercise group.
In conclusion, Otago exercise program confirmed the effectiveness on functional fitness and Fullerton Balance Advanced scale though it was a kind of low intensity exercise(25%HRR). This program can be used as an effective exercise intervention to enhance balance ability, prevent falls and maintain Quality of life for elderly women living in a community.