Are Covid-19 Pandemic Physical Activity Levels Affect Balance, Gait, Cognitive Functions and Fear of Covid-19 of Older Adults?

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare the balance, gait, cognitive functions and fear of Covid-19 (FoC-19) in older adults according to physical activity levels (PALs) and investigate the relationship between PALs and balance, gait, cognitive functions and FoC-19 of older adults in times of Covid-19 pandemic. 40 healthy older adults were divided into two groups as low and high PALs groups according to their median score on the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, 10 Meter Walk Test, Trail Making Test and the FoC-19 Scale. Older adults who have low PALs in times of Covid-19 pandemic have worse outcomes in terms of balance, gait and FoC-19. There is no difference in terms of cognitive functions. Also, there is no relationship between PALs and other parameters except FoC-19 in older adults who have low PALs and there is no relationship between PALs and other parameters in older adults who have high PALs. Low PALs in times of Covid-19 pandemic negatively affected balance, gait and FoC-19 of older adults. It is also found that PALs of older adults related with the FoC-19.