Balance and Fall Risk Assessment in Community-Dwelling Older Adults after Recovery from COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 atypical symptoms in older persons include falls, confusion, dizziness, and unusual weariness. Falls and their consequences are among the most prevalent causes of disability among older adults, significantly lowering quality of life and resulting in the loss of independence as well as impaired psychosocial functioning. The study purpose was to examine the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infectious disease on balance in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Sixty-four older adults aged ≥ 60 years from both sexes, 31 treated for SARS-CoV-2 infection and 33 matched normal controls participated in the study. The Biodex Stability System (BSS) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used for evaluation of balance and fall risk. The correlation between the Biodex overall stability index and the Berg Balance Scale score was investigated. RESULTS: When compared to controls, the SARS-CoV-2 group had significantly higher values of the Biodex overall stability index (OSI) (p = 0.011), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI) (p = 0.013), mediolateral stability index (MLSI) (p = 0.018), and fall risk index (FRI) (p = 0.008), as well as statistically lower scores on the Berg balance scale (p = 0.003). A moderate negative correlation was found between the two assessment tools in the SARS-CoV-2 group. CONCLUSION: Balance impairment and an increased risk of falling are among the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 in community-dwelling older adults.

Efficacy of telehealth core exercises during COVID-19 after bariatric surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery (BS) is presently the most durable and effective intervention to address severe obesity. BS results in significant weight loss and body composition changes, with reductions in both fat mass and lean mass. Conequently, muscle tissue wasting and a reduction in muscle strength and endurance seem to take place. Some studies have evaluated the impact of resistance training on changes in lean body mass and muscle strength either alone or along with protein supplementation in the first year after BS. However, the effects of core stabilization training on core endurance, postural control, and aerobic capacity in patients after BS have not been evaluated. AIM: This study assessed the effect of a home telehealth core stabilization exercise program on core stability, postural control, and aerobic capacity in patients after BS. DESIGN: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Home-based exercise program. POPULATION: Patients after BS. METHODS: Fifty-four patients who underwent BS randomly assigned into study and control groups. The study group followed a telehealth supervised home core stabilization program for 8 weeks, while the control group did not receive any form of exercises. Core endurance tests, postural stability, and aerobic capacity were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks in both groups. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted between groups at baseline (P>0.05). The outcome of the group comparisons showed significant improvement in core endurance tests, postural stability, and aerobic capacity in the study group. Between groups comparision showed that the study group scores significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). However, the control group showed non-significant changes in any measured variables after eight weeks (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of a home-based telehealth core exercise program improves core endurance, postural stability, and aerobic capacity in patients after BS. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The core stabilization exercise is an important rehabilitation program that should be implemented after BS. Telehealth is an alternative rehabilitation tool during the COVID -19 pandemic.