ABSTRACT
The study investigated the effect of refraining from going out during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on physical function in community-dwelling older adults. The study included 49 patients who underwent home-visit rehabilitation. Four parameters of physical function & mdash;grip strength, five-times sit-to-stand test, single-leg stance test, and standing test for imbalance and disequilibrium (SIDE)& mdash;were assessed. They were evaluated before (March 2020) and after (May 2020) the state emergency was imposed, and the results were compared. The grip strength decreased significantly. A significant difference was also observed in the proportion of different SIDE levels in the study group before and after the implementation of the state emergency. The number of SIDE 2a or lower patients increased during the state emergency (p < 0.001). Comprehensive community support and rehabilitation are necessary to maintain physical function in older individuals. In particular, we believe that there is a need to utilize remote rehabilitation using digital devices (such as internet-based guidance) so that older adults can continue to exercise at home.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak on the levels of activity among older patients with frailty or underlying diseases. A total of 175 patients (79.0±7.0 years) undergoing outpatient or home-based rehabilitation, stratified into groups, based on frailty status. The percentage of patients who went out at least once a week decreased after the outbreak from 91% to 87%, from 65% to 46%, and from 47% to 36% in the non-frail, frail, and nursing care requirement groups, respectively. The proportion of older patients participating in exercise during the outbreak was 75%, 51%, and 41% in the non-frail, frail, and nursing care requirement groups, respectively. The proportion of older patients participating in voluntary exercise after instruction was lowest in the frail group (35%). Older patients with frailty are susceptible to the negative effects of refraining from physical activity and require careful management.