Effects of Multicomponent Training and Subsequent Lockdown (COVID-19) in Older People

Abstract

Multi-component training has proven to be the best non-pharmacological strategy to reverse or delay the effects associated with ageing and frailty, which have both become a health emergency. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of a period of lockdown following a multicomponent training programme on functional capacity, physical fitness and quality of life in older people. A total of 54 participants over the age of 65 were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group performed 3 weekly sessions of 1 hour of multicomponent training, and the control group, 1 hour of light aerobic activity per week. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Senior Fitness Test (SFT), Handgrip and EUROQOL-5D were used: Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5D: VAS). At the end of lockdown, both groups became worse in SPPB, although the intervention group to a lesser extent (Control, -10.34%, p = .015, ES = .758; Intervention, -6.48%, p = .018, ES = .470). In addition, this group improved strength (Chair Stand, +11.12%, p = .002, ES = .632), and flexibility (Sit & Reach, -48.88%, p = .001, ES = .698) of the lower limb as well as agility and dynamic balance (Up & Go, -10.68%, p < .001, ES = .667), due to possible residual effects of training. Only the control group reduced their manual grip strength (-5.57%, p = .033, ES = .665). Conclusion: 9 weeks of multicomponent training in older people could mitigate the effects of a 15-week lockdown, but it is not possible to know with certainty due to the lack of a post-training measurement, which could not be performed because of the outbreak of the pandemic.