Developing an Effective Intervention to Address Post-Corona-Virus-Disease-2019 Balance Disorders, Weakness and Muscle Fatigue in Individuals Aged 65+

The long-term consequences and sequelae of COVID-19 are still unclear; however, a vast number of elderly individuals have reported prolonged general weakness and muscular fatigue, leading to significant functional decline, increased risk of falls, morbidity and mortality rates. However, effective exercise intervention for such post-COVID-19 patients is still not well documented. Previous studies indicate that, in general, resistance training (RT) appears to be the most effective, safe method for combating the loss of muscle mass, strength and functional capacity. The aim of investigators study is to develop/adopt an effective intervention specifically for elderly (65+) people with post COVID-19 condition, experiencing balance disorder and muscle weakness, in order to help them return to pre-infection mobility and function. This will be a randomized controlled study with pre- and post-intervention assessment. The participants will be recruited from nursing homes, retirement facilities, Universities of the Third Age, primary health care units (POZs), in keeping with the inclusion criteria. The patients will be randomized to one of 2 groups: RT and control (no exercise). The participants' muscle strength under dynamic condition, balance (especially fall risk), body composition and quality of life will be assessed pre- and post-intervention. The investigators main research outcome - safe exercise protocols and interventions - will be developed to match the needs of the elderly in the current pandemic (and post-pandemic) scenario, in order to maintain/improve the health, balance, muscle strength, cognitive function and, consequently, quality of life of older adults affected by COVID-19.