Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical fitness of older adults: a longitudinal study
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Abstract
Introduction: Older adults, who are considered to be at higher risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus, have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Objective: This prospective longitudinal study aimed to verify changes in the physical fitness of older adults during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering gender and age group. Methods: Seventy-six older individuals (aged 72.6 ± 6.47 years) who were part of a university extension program participated in the study. Their physical fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), which was administered by trained researchers before the pandemic (November 2019) and during the pandemic (April 2022). Results: The results showed a significant decline in physical fitness in all tests, except for the elbow flexion test. The greatest decline was observed in the 6-minute walk test. Both men and women exhibited greater declines in aerobic endurance and lower limb strength. Older adults aged 80 years or older were the most affected, exhibiting the greatest declines, particularly in aerobic endurance and lower limb strength. Conclusion: The study concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the physical fitness of older adults, especially women and those aged 80 years or older. Therefore, physical activity programs should be implemented for these populations to minimize or even reverse the negative impacts caused by COVID-19 on their physical fitness.
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