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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2025 Mar;44(1):e13408.
doi: 10.1111/ajag.13408.

Effects of a video-supported Cawthorne-Cooksey exercise program in older adults with balance deficits and dizziness: A preliminary randomised pilot study

Olga Athanasiadou  1 , Dimitrios Lytras  2 , Paris Iakovidis  2 , Konstantinos Kasimis  2 , Georgios Koutras  1 , Thomas Apostolou  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of a video-supported Cawthorne-Cooksey exercise program in older adults with balance deficits and dizziness: A preliminary randomised pilot study

Olga Athanasiadou et al. Australas J Ageing. 2025 Mar.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the safety and efficacy of a video-supported Cawthorne-Cooksey exercise program (CCEP) in improving balance, dizziness and decreasing fear of falling in older adults with balance deficits and dizziness.

Methods: Thirty-two older adults were divided into two groups (intervention and control). The intervention group followed a video-supported CCEP group, while the control group received written instructions to maintain their usual activity and counselling on fall prevention. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), fear of falling with the Fall Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), and dizziness impact on daily life with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) at baseline, the 4th week and at the 1-month follow-up. Analysis of variance with repeated measures was applied, and the level of significance was set at p < .05.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found between groups at the 4th week, with the CCEP group showing significant improvement in all outcome measures (BBS, FES-I, DHI scores) (p < .05). These differences remained statistically significant at the 1-month follow-up (p < .05). No adverse effects were detected.

Conclusion: A 4-week video-supported CCEP is safe and effective in improving balance, dizziness impact on daily life and fear of falling in older adults with age-related dizziness and imbalance.

Keywords: accidental falls; dizziness; exercise; physical therapy modalities; postural balance.

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