The unique stepping and walking patterns in OTM are goal-oriented and progressive.

Research

On the Move is more effective than a seated strength and endurance group exercise program for improving mobility and preventing hospitalizations.

  • The effectiveness of On the Move was determined through a cluster-randomized trial.
  • The study was conducted at 32 independent living facilities, senior apartment buildings, and senior community centers.
  • 298 individuals with an average age of 80 years participated.
  • On the Move was compared to a seated strength and endurance group exercise program.
  • Both programs were offered 2 times/week for 12 weeks.
  • At the end of the intervention, individuals in On the Move had greater improvements in mobility (i.e., they could walk farther and faster) than individuals in the seated program.
  • Participation in On the Move also resulted in fewer hospitalizations in the next year.

Read about the study findings in JAMA Internal Medicine by clicking here.

The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) also published the research findings here.

 Additional References

  1. VanSwearingen JM, Perera S, Brach JS, Cham R, Rosano C, Studenski SA. A Randomized Trial of Two Forms of Therapeutic Activity to Improve Walking: Effect on the Energy Cost of Walking J Gerontol: Med Sci, 2009;64:1190-1198.
  2. VanSwearingen JM, Perera S, Brach JS, Wert D, Studenski SA.  Exercise to Improve Gait Efficiency: Impact on Activity and Participation in Older Adults with Mobility Limitations. Phys Ther 2011;91:1740-1751.PMID 22003158 PMCID:PMC 3229041
  3. Brach JS, VanSwearingen JM, Perera S, Wert D, Studenski S. Motor Learning versus Standard Exercise in Older Adults with Subclinical Gait Dysfunction. J Amer Geriatr Soc. 2013;61:1879-1886. PMID:24219189, PMCID: PMC3827693
  4. Brach JS, Lowry K, Perera S, Hornyak V, Wert D, Studenski SA, VanSwearingen JM. Improving motor control in walking: A randomized clinical trial in older adults with subclinical walking difficulty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015;96:388-394. PMID:25448244
  5. Brach JS, Francois SJ, VanSwearingen JM, Gilmore S, Perera S, Studenski SA. Translation of a motor learning walking rehabilitation program into a group-based exercise program for community-dwelling older adults. PMR 2016;8:520-8. PMID: 26493856
  6. Brach JS, Perera S, Gilmore S, VanSwearingen JM, Brodine D, Wert D, Nadkarni NK, Ricci E.  Stakeholder involvement in the design of a patient-centered comparative effectiveness trial of the “On the Move” group exercise program in community-dwelling older adults. Contemp Clin Trials. 2016 Aug 10;135-142. PMID: 27521806
  7. Brach JS, Perera S, Gilmore S, VanSwearingen JM, Brodine D, Nadkarni NK, Ricci E. Effectiveness of a Timing and Coordination Group Exercise Program to Improve Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2017;177(10):1437-1444. PMID: 28806436
  8. Wert, DM; Perera S; Nutini, J; Ricci, EM; Coffman, L; Turnquist, R; VanSwearingen, J; and Brach, J. Motor Control-based Group Exercise: Can It Be Delivered as Effectively by Lay Leaders? Translational J of ACSM.2018;3(3).
  9. Alqahtani B, Sparto P, Whitney S, Greenspan S, Perera S, VanSwearingen JM, Brach JS. Effect of Community-Based Group Exercise Interventions on Standing Balance and Strength in Independent Living Older Adults. J Geriatric Phys Ther. 2019;Oct/Dec;42(4):E7-E15. PMID 31592997.
  10. Coyle PC, Perera S, Albert SM, Freburger JK, VanSwearingen JM, Brach JS. Potential long-term impact of “On the Move” group-exercise program on falls and healthcare utilization in older adults: an exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr. 2020 Mar 16;20(1):105. doi: 10.1186/s12877-020-1506-3. PMID: 32178633; PMCID: PMC7075006.