Turkish Journal of Geriatrics 2021 , Vol 24, Issue 1
THE CONS OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE ELDERLY; RESULTS OF AN ONLINE SURVEY
ErtuÄŸrul DEMÄ°RDEL1, Senem DEMÄ°RDEL2, Sevilay KARAHAN3, Semra TOPUZ4
1Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, ANKARA, Turkey
2University of Health Sciences Turkey, Gulhane Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, ANKARA, Turkey
3Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, ANKARA, Turkey
4Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, ANKARA, Turkey DOI : 10.31086/tjgeri.2021.197 Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical activity level of the elderly, physical activity barriers during the COVID-19 restrictions and the effects of the restrictions on well-being.

Materials and method: An online survey was used that included demographic characteristics, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, Physical Activity Barriers Scale for the Elderly and questions about well-being. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the risk factors for physical inactivity.

Results: Of 131 respondents (mean age, 70.97±5.87 years), 82.4% stated that they were less physically active due to the restrictions. Mean physical activity score was 80.79±65.18 and the most common physical activity was household activities. Inactive elderly had more physical activity barriers (p=0.003). Risk factors for physical inactivity were age, medication, other occupants of the house and house type (Odds ratios were 1.13, 3.3, 3.25, 2.52 and 95% confidence intervals were 1.03-1.23, 1.36-8.05, 1.33-7.93, 1.05-6.06 respectively, p<0.05). Participants stated that they had gained weight, they felt more bored, anxious, angry, uneasy (47.3%, 78.6%, 75.6%, 54.2%, 74% of the participants respectively) since the curfews started.

Conclusion: During the restrictions, the level of physical activity of the elderly decreased. Risk factors for physical inactivity are older age, taking multiple medications, living with a caregiver and living in a home without a garden or terrace. Measures to increase the level of physical activity and decrease physical activity barriers should be taken into consideration for well-being during the restrictions. Keywords : Aged; Exercise; Pandemics