Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Functionality and Fall Risk in Institutionalized Geriatric Patients: A Longitudinal Observational Study
Background: The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced elderly functionality, particularly in terms of balance, gait, and independence in daily activities. This study sought to evaluate how these aspects have changed over the course of the health crisis. Methods: We empl...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Life |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/7/1130 |
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| author | Javier Torralba Estelles Jorge Velert Belenguer Elena Martinez Mendoza Javier Ferrer Torregrosa |
| author_facet | Javier Torralba Estelles Jorge Velert Belenguer Elena Martinez Mendoza Javier Ferrer Torregrosa |
| author_sort | Javier Torralba Estelles |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced elderly functionality, particularly in terms of balance, gait, and independence in daily activities. This study sought to evaluate how these aspects have changed over the course of the health crisis. Methods: We employed the Tinetti scale for assessing balance and gait, and the Barthel Index for measuring functional independence, conducting a comparative analysis of scores before and after the onset of the pandemic in a sample of elderly individuals. Results: Our findings indicated an increase in Tinetti scores, suggesting some improvement in balance and mobility, albeit with marked variability across participants. On the other hand, Barthel scores showed a significant decline, pointing to a reduction in functional independence. Conclusions: These results suggest that the impact of COVID-19 on elderly functionality is not uniform, highlighting the need for personalized rehabilitation strategies. Such strategies should not only focus on physical recovery but also consider the psychological and social repercussions of the pandemic to fully address the diverse needs of this vulnerable population. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a7245e9d8fc347bc9ee40c3555e5214e |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2075-1729 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Life |
| spelling | doaj-art-a7245e9d8fc347bc9ee40c3555e5214e2025-08-20T03:07:58ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292025-07-01157113010.3390/life15071130Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Functionality and Fall Risk in Institutionalized Geriatric Patients: A Longitudinal Observational StudyJavier Torralba Estelles0Jorge Velert Belenguer1Elena Martinez Mendoza2Javier Ferrer Torregrosa3Department of Podiatry, School of Medicine and Health Science, Catholic University of Valencia, 46900 Torrent, PC, SpainDepartment of Podiatry, School of Medicine and Health Science, Catholic University of Valencia, 46900 Torrent, PC, SpainPrivate Practice at dePie Clínicas Podológicas, 46021 Valencia, PC, SpainDepartment of Podiatry, School of Medicine and Health Science, Catholic University of Valencia, 46900 Torrent, PC, SpainBackground: The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced elderly functionality, particularly in terms of balance, gait, and independence in daily activities. This study sought to evaluate how these aspects have changed over the course of the health crisis. Methods: We employed the Tinetti scale for assessing balance and gait, and the Barthel Index for measuring functional independence, conducting a comparative analysis of scores before and after the onset of the pandemic in a sample of elderly individuals. Results: Our findings indicated an increase in Tinetti scores, suggesting some improvement in balance and mobility, albeit with marked variability across participants. On the other hand, Barthel scores showed a significant decline, pointing to a reduction in functional independence. Conclusions: These results suggest that the impact of COVID-19 on elderly functionality is not uniform, highlighting the need for personalized rehabilitation strategies. Such strategies should not only focus on physical recovery but also consider the psychological and social repercussions of the pandemic to fully address the diverse needs of this vulnerable population.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/7/1130elderlyCOVID-19functional independencebalancegaitTinetti test |
| spellingShingle | Javier Torralba Estelles Jorge Velert Belenguer Elena Martinez Mendoza Javier Ferrer Torregrosa Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Functionality and Fall Risk in Institutionalized Geriatric Patients: A Longitudinal Observational Study Life elderly COVID-19 functional independence balance gait Tinetti test |
| title | Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Functionality and Fall Risk in Institutionalized Geriatric Patients: A Longitudinal Observational Study |
| title_full | Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Functionality and Fall Risk in Institutionalized Geriatric Patients: A Longitudinal Observational Study |
| title_fullStr | Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Functionality and Fall Risk in Institutionalized Geriatric Patients: A Longitudinal Observational Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Functionality and Fall Risk in Institutionalized Geriatric Patients: A Longitudinal Observational Study |
| title_short | Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Functionality and Fall Risk in Institutionalized Geriatric Patients: A Longitudinal Observational Study |
| title_sort | impact of the covid 19 pandemic on functionality and fall risk in institutionalized geriatric patients a longitudinal observational study |
| topic | elderly COVID-19 functional independence balance gait Tinetti test |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/7/1130 |
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