ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of aquatic training on motor risk factors for falls in older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was carried out with older people, divided into an aquatic training group (ATG) (n = 24) and a control group (CG) (n = 25). Muscle strength was assessed by the 5-Times Sit-to-Stand Test, mobility by the simple and dual-task Timed Up and Go Test, and postural stability through stabilometric data (force platform). The CG received monthly calls to monitor general health. The ATG carried out training lasting 16 weeks, with two 1-hour sessions per week. RESULTS: Both groups improved muscular strength and cognitive-motor tasks, and they performed a dual task with fewer errors in the secondary task after 16 weeks regardless of the pandemic and COVID-19 diagnosis. There was a significant decrease in the area of center of pressure displacement in the tandem posture with eyes closed in the CG. When analyzing participants who adhered at least 50% to the intervention, the ATG significantly reduced the number of steps on the Timed Up and Go Test performance. Both groups improved muscular strength and cognitive-motor tasks and increased the cognitive task cost. In the CG, there was a significant decrease in the mean amplitude of the anteroposterior center of pressure displacement in the feet together with eyes open. CONCLUSION: We found that aquatic physical exercise presented positive effects on some potentially modifiable motor risk factors for falls (mobility and muscle strength) regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 diagnosis, especially among people who adhered to the intervention.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people's lives and caused changes in habits. The World Health Organization recommends social isolation as a way of minimizing the risk of contagion of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of social isolation due to COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of older adults and to investigate how anthropometric, functional, and clinical aspects are associated with this process. METHODS: Fifty healthy older adults were followed-up during 5 months. The subjects had their physical and mental health assessed during social isolation (pre-vaccine situation) and after the opening of stores and activities in the municipality (post-vaccine situation). Physical evaluation was performed using the 30-s sit and stand test. Participants' mental health was assessed with the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Loneliness Index. In this methodological design, muscle strength, depressive symptoms, and loneliness index were subject to pre-post analyses. In addition, these variables were included as outcomes in linear regression models. Participants' anthropometric, functional, and clinical factors were included as predictors of the statistical model. RESULTS: Participants' scores at baseline were consistent with mild depressive symptoms and low loneliness. The muscle strength of the subjects was appropriate to their ages. After 5 months of social isolation, all variables declined, but with statistical significance only for depressive symptoms (p = 0.017, effect size of 0.11). Anthropometric, functional, and clinical factors explained 42.8% of depressive symptoms, 22.3% of loneliness, and 30.2% of muscle strength in the elderly. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Older adults presented baseline scores consistent with mild depressive symptoms and low loneliness. The muscular strength of the subjects was appropriate for their ages. After 5 months of social isolation, all variables declined. Anthropometric, functional, and clinical factors explained a substantial part of the depressive symptoms, loneliness, and muscular strength in the elderly. Health care professionals should be aware of performing a wide assessment in subjects' lives to ensure better health status.