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

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.