Revitalizing Balance and Gait in Older Adults: Insights from a Six-Week Bot Fit Exercise Program at a Smart Senior Welfare Center in Seoul

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a fall prevention exercise program using the Bot Fit wearable robot in older adults. Design: One-group pretest-posttest design. Methods: This one-group pretest posttest study included 22 older adults (aged >65 years) recruited from senior – welfare centers to evaluate the effects of a 6-week Bot Fit fall prevention exercise program. The program comprised strength training, balance exercises, aerobic conditioning, and flexibility exercises performed thrice weekly. The timed up and go (TUG)test and gait performance (10-meter walk test [10MWT] and spatiotemporal gait analysis) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests showed significant improvements in the fall risk and gait variables, indicating the effectiveness of the program (p < 0.05). Results: The 6-week Bot Fit fall prevention exercise program led to significant improvements in both fall risk and gait parameters. The TUG test results revealed a 12.3% reduction in the time required (p < 0.001), indicating enhanced dynamic balance. Additionally, the 10MWTresults revealed significant reductions in walking time (11.69%; p < 0.001) and increased stride length (left: 9.84%; right: 9.02%). The rotational range of the pelvis also improved (left: 30.78%; right: 29.26%), suggesting better movement control during walking. Conclusions: The Bot Fit fall prevention exercise program can significantlyreduce fall risk and improve gait performance in older adults. The program's combination of strength, balance, and aerobic exercises, supported by wearable robotic technology, offers a promising intervention to mitigate fall risks in aging populations.