Effects of remote home-based exercise program on functional capacity and perceived loneliness in older adults during COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract

Objective to determine the effects of a simple home-based exercise program on functional capacity and perceived loneliness of older adults in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Twenty-nine volunteers were randomly divided into two groups: (1) control group (CG); and (2) home-based exercise group (HBEG). Lower limb muscle strength, functional capacity, and perceived loneliness were assessed at baseline (pre-test), 4 weeks, and 8 weeks (post-test) using the Chair Standing Test (CST), Gait Speed Test (GST), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and Perceived Loneliness Scale (PLS). Results The number of repetitions on the CST differed statistically between the groups (CG vs. HBEP, p=0.006) and among timepoints (Pre vs. 4W vs. 8W, p=0.043.). In the CG group, TUG test completion time was statistically lower at baseline than at 8 weeks (p=0.021) (pre 12.0±5.9 s vs. 8W 12.7±6.5 s). There was no statistical difference in TUG time in the HBEG. No statistical differences were found on the GST and PSL between groups or among timepoints. Conclusion The home-based exercise program improved general functional capacity after 8 weeks of training, but perceived loneliness and gait speed were unchanged in the older adults experiencing lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.