OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an individualized home-based exercise program that included specific turning exercises in improving turning performance in adults identified as having unsteadiness during turning. DESIGN: A single-blind (assessors) randomized controlled trial was conducted with 68 community-dwelling Malaysians aged 50 yrs and older, who had abnormal turning performance (outside of age and sex, normal limits on the Step/Quick Turn Test (180-degree turn task on the NeuroCom Balance Master with long plate)). The intervention group received a 16-wk home exercise program that included two turning exercises, whereas the control group maintained their usual activities. RESULTS: Significant group x time effects were found using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance for turning and balance/mobility measures. The intervention group significantly improved relative to the control group for (1) sway when turning 180 degrees Step/Quick Turn F[1,65] = 8.070, p = 0.006; (2) time to perform 180-degree turn Step/Quick Turn F[1,65] = 8.216, p = 0.006; (3) Timed Up and Go (single task) F[1,65] = 6.647, p = 0.012; (4) Timed Up and Go (dual task) F[1,65] = 8.301, p = 0.005; and (5) static stance sway F[1,65] = 10.491, p = 0.002. CONCLUSIONS: An individualized home exercise program that included specific exercises to improve turning ability was effective in improving turning performance in adults older than 50 yrs.

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