Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Author Spotlight: Innovations in iTUG Test for Enhanced Risk Assessment and Cognitive Insights
Published on: October 25, 2024
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Functionality and Fall Risk in Institutionalized Geriatric Patients: A
Javier Torralba Estelles1, Jorge Velert Belenguer1, Elena Martinez Mendoza2
1Department of Podiatry, School of Medicine and Health Science, Catholic University of Valencia, 46900 Torrent, PC, Spain.
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:19Restorative Care
01:28Current Trends in Nursing I
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues