The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) is an individually tailored exercise programme that is delivered in your home by a trained nurse or physiotherapist. It has been shown to reduce falls by 35%.
What does the OEP involve?
The OEP was designed by the Falls Prevention Research Group at the University of Otago Medical School. It consists of a series of leg-strengthening and balance-retraining exercises that get progressively more difficult as you get stronger. It also involves a walking plan.
A trained nurse or physiotherapist will come to your home six times during the course of the year-long programme. In between visits they will keep in contact by telephone.
In return, you are expected to:
- exercise for 30 minutes a day, three times a week
- go for a walk at least twice a week.
Why start the OEP?
The OEP helps to stop you falling if you have weak legs or impaired balance.
It has been shown to reduce your chances of having a fall by 35%. It also reduces the severity of injuries from falls.
Where is the OEP available?
ACC is no longer funding new participants of OEP, however some providers may continue to offer OEP using alternative funding options.
Last updated: 30 October 2009