Cognitive and balance performance of older adult women during COVID-19 pandemic quarantine: an ex post facto study

Abstract

Introduction Isolation and self-quarantine can expose individuals, particularly older people, to cognitive and physical decline. Due to a reduction in their musculoskeletal and neural flexibility, older adults are more likely to be affected by quarantine limitations. This study aimed to investigate the effect of self-quarantine on cognitive and balance performance of older women during the COVID-19 outbreak. Material and methods In a convenience sampling method, a total of 75 older adult women were recruited in this ex post facto study. The mini-mental state exam, single leg stance test, and timed up and go test were used to assess cognitive functions, static, and dynamic balance, respectively. Fall risk was measured by the Johns Hopkins assessment tool. Evaluations were performed before and after 7 months of quarantine due to the COVID-19 outbreak (November 2019 – June 2020), in which volunteers were at the lowest level of physical and social interaction. Results No significant difference was observed in the mean static balance performance of the older adult women between the baseline and quarantine phases [ p = 0.095, t (df) = –1.69]. The dynamic balance performance [ p < 0.001, t (df) = 5.6] and cognitive status ( p < 0.001, t = –7.4) decreased and the fall rate increased [ p < 0.001, t (df) = 7.35] after 7 months of quarantine. Conclusions It seems that self-quarantine can cause a decline in cognitive functions and dynamic balance performance of older women. It implies that the decrease in social interactions and physical activities caused by the limitations of self-quarantine put individuals at greater risk of cognitive impairment and increase their falling rate by impairing dynamic balance.

Understanding exogenous factors and biological mechanisms for cognitive frailty: a multidisciplinary scoping review

“…Some studies examined Covid-related self-quarantine in terms of lowered physical and social activity. Papi et al, (2022) found increased fall risk, reduced dynamic balance and almost 5-points reduction in MMSE in women aged 60+. Garner et al, (2022) found higher multidimensional frailty scores (including PF and cognitive function) in populations aged 70+ when lockdown was stricter, but self-reported physical activity was associated with reduction in frailty as lockdowns eased.…”

“…A lack of social contact because of restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic provided an additional way to consider the impact of social contact on physical and/or cognitive function. In a sample of women, Papi et al (2022) found ‘self-quarantine’ over a 7-month period was associated with physical and cognitive decline, suggesting the loss of opportunities for physical activity and social interaction accounted for the changes. Some social circumstances are associated with higher burden, for example, providing care to a spouse or other family member.…”