Aging & Sports

Abstract

Problem: Physical exercises (PE) have positive effects on health related quality of life (HQoL) and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD). This survey assessed the extent of the Covid-19 induced lockdown on changes of PE and HQoL of study patients with at least two chronic NCD.Methods: An online survey, including the Veterans Rand 12 (subscales general health (GH), physical (PCS), mental (MCS) component scales) and questions on lockdown-induced PE habit changes was hold. HQoL was assessed prior, during and after the lockdown. Also, the usage of digital training videos was assessed. Kruskal-Wallis-Tests and post-hoc analysis evaluated if HQoL differed between categories of PE changes during the lockdown (less, same, more). Results: 27 (18 females, mean age: 54.6 11.4) completed the survey. 37% stated less or no PE, 22% more PE. Especially strength training was affected with 72% of the responders performing less strength training during lock down. MCS and PCS differed not significantly according to PE change, but better GH was associated with increased PE in comparison to less/no PE (z=-2.5, p=0.04, r=0.6). Discussion: Participants who increased PE during the lockdown showed better GH scores, highlighting the importance to maintain PE. Permission to continue sports in nature is recommended in similar situations. Digital media such as training videos designed to fulfill the needs of people with NCD have to be created, so that people can continue strength training.Trial registration: The study was registered in the German clinical trial register (DRKS00016702).Key Words: Sport, Pandemic, Multimorbidity, Health Related Quality of Life, Non-Communicable Chronic Conditions, Germany