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Musculoskeletal Health in older adults with changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour before and during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

Corresponding author- Rakshanda Shakeel

Email ID – rakshandashakeel11@gmail.com

Background: Nationwide lockdown was imposed with strict confinement measures imposed.

Due to which mobility and regular physical activity were hampered in older adults.

Objective: The objective of this review was to summarise literature that investigated

differences in physical activity & sedentary behaviour before vs during the lockdown and its

effect on musculoskeletal health.

Method: Electronic databases were searched from November 2019 to October 2020 using

terms relating to physical activity, sedentary behaviour & COVID-19 among the elderly aged

≥60 yrs . The survey consisted of a questionnaire, a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal

Questionnaire, and Barthel activities of daily living index. The net mNMQ score and Barthel

ADL index were compared before and during the lockdown.

Result: In this study, 150 eligible participants were enrolled. A significant decline in physical

activity status was noted during the lockdown. The net mNMQ score showed a significant

worsening during the lockdown (P < 0.0001). A statistically significant increase in the

modified NMQ score was noted for the lower limb (P < 0.0001) and spine (P = 0.002), but

not for the upper limb (P = 0.052).

Conclusion: Lockdown and confinement measures resulted in a significant decline in

physical activity as well as the overall musculoskeletal health hence public health strategies

should include the creation and implementation of interventions that promote safe physical

activity and reduce sedentary behaviour.

Keywords: confinement, older adults, musculoskeletal health, lockdown, covid-19