Changes In Physical Activity And Health Indicators In The Covid-19 Disasters: Results Of A Mail Questionnaire Survey Of Community-based Group Exercise Elderly Participants In Fujisawa, Japan

Abstract

PURPOSE: In the COVID-19 disaster, physical and social activities are restricted. Since 2015, as part of a community-wide intervention, we have continued to support groups of elderly who meet regularly in their close neighborhood community to engage in voluntary exercise in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. In this study, we conducted a mailed questionnaire survey to understand the current situation and the situation at the time of the declaration of a state of emergency, while activities are restricted under the spread of COVID-19 infection. METHODS: The questionnaire was sent by mail in August 2020, and valid responses were obtained from 145 participants (76.3%). Questions were asked about physical activity, mental health, and quality of life, as well as about changes in daily life and communication during and after the declaration of the state of emergency. For those who had completed the similar questionnaire in 2019 (n = 78), we compared the data from that time with the current data and discussed the characteristics. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) age of the subjects was 77.4 (5.7) years. Eighty-eight (61%) were female, and 21 (14.5%) lived alone. The median time for activities of daily living other than exercise, exercise time, and sitting time were 60, 9.3, and 300 minutes/day at the time of the declaration of the state of emergency, and 60, 12.9, and 300 minutes/day at the present time, respectively (all median values). In the comparison between last year and the present, the time for daily activities and exercise decreased significantly, while the time for sitting increased. There was a significant decrease in WHO5 and a downward trend in apathy. The following actions were taken to prevent the spread of infection: hand washing and alcohol disinfection (99%), wearing a mask (97%), indoor ventilation (90%), checking body temperature (67%), avoiding crowds (91%), and not eating except with family members (67%). CONCLUSIONS: For those who performed group exercise, the amount of physical activity improved from the time when the state of emergency was declared but remained lower than the previous year, and sedentary behavior increased. Some of them have decreased QOL and increased apathy. It is necessary to take countermeasures.