Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults Who Regularly Exercise

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of social distancing on physical activity (PA) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in active Spanish older adults according to their physical functionality. The study included 58 older adults aged 76.24 ± 6.00 years who were enrolled in a supervised physical exercise program before the COVID-19 outbreak. Anthropometric, physical function, physical activity and HRQoL were measured at baseline (October 2019). After the two-month lockdown due to the COVID-19, questionnaires were collected again during de-escalation (May 2020). Participants were divided into high- (n = 29) and low-functionality (n = 29) groups. Total PA, walking and cleaning significantly decreased (p < 0.001) whilst exercising or dancing increased (p < 0.001). General health, social and emotional role functioning dimensions and overall mental component scores worsened (p < 0.01–p < 0.05). Low-functionality participants had significantly lower physical functioning scores at baseline (p < 0.01) and lower bodily pain scores at de-escalation (p < 0.01). Emotional role functioning dimension and overall mental component significantly decreased only in low-functionality participants (p < 0.05). Although PA levels decreased significantly, older adults continued being active regardless of their functionality. While mental HRQoL in participants with higher physical functionality remained unchanged, participants with lower functional capacity had a higher risk of mental health concerns. Therefore, attention should focus on strategies to mitigate the negative effects of distancing measures on older people’s mental health, especially in those with lower functionality.

Videoconference-Based Adapted Physical Exercise Training Is a Good and Safe Option for Seniors

“…In addition, the traditional exercise and training environment is not always adapted to the physical condition of the seniors and can lead to injuries and other harm [ 27 ]. The current COVID-19 pandemic restrains the possibility of outside or collective physical exercise, leading to even greater sedentarization of older adults [ 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Remote supervised physical exercise training thus could become an optimal solution.…”

Contribuições do exercício físico à saúde mental de idosos durante a pandemia da COVID-19: Uma revisão sistemática

“…Os estudos incluídos mostram que a prática de exercício física protocolados é benéfica saúde mental de idosos no contexto da pandemia a de COVID-19, foi verificado através dos mesmos, melhora do estresse percebido, sintomas de depressão, estimulação cognitiva, prosperidade sociopsicológica e qualidade de vida mental (Aldy et al, 2021;Casanova et al, 2020;Esain et al, 2021;Granacher et al, 2020;Liu et al, 2020;Mansfield et al, 2021;Murukesu et al 2020;Qi et al, 2021;Solianik et al, 2021).…”

“…Todos os estudos tiveram intervenção com algum tipo de exercício físico, em Casanova et al, (2020) A maioria da amostra foi de idosos saudáveis, que não foi informado patologia ou a patologia não fazia parte de interesse do estudo (Esain et al, 2021;Granacher et al, 2020;Mansfield et al, 2021;Qi et al, 2021;Solianik et al, 2021) Três estudos investigaram o uso da teles saúde, em que apresentam potencial para benefícios da suade mental em idosos.…”

“…Visto que o exercício apresenta benefícios diversos para a saúde em geral de idosos, conforme verificado nesses estudos seja na saúde mental ou outras condições (Aldy et al, 2021;Casanova et al, 2020;Esain et al, 2021;Granacher et al, 2020;Liu et al, 2020;Mansfield et al, 2021;Murukesu Et al 2020;Qi et al, 2021;Solianik et al, 2021) pode-se recomendar que os exercícios sejam considerados seguros quando aplicados em idosos e efetivos manutenção e/ou melhorias da saúde mental, principalmente em isolamento social, como no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19.…”

Design and Evaluation of an Online Squat Fitness System: Lessons Learned During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

“…Previous studies have reported significant decrease in physical activity (8,14). Visser et al underlined that negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PA may increase the risk of frailty, sarcopenia and disability (15).…”