Effects of different Physical Exercise interventions performed remotely on physical fitness, physical activity level and aspects related to the quality of life of the elderly

Introduction: although social isolation is a necessary measure to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, its consequences are deleterious for the health of the elderly. On the other hand, remote physical exercise seems to be an interesting alternative to avoid greater exposure to the virus and to maintain an active lifestyle without leaving home. Objective: to compare the effects of different physical exercise interventions performed remotely on functional fitness, physical activity level, sedentary behavior, sleep quality, depressive symptoms, pain levels and aspects related to quality of life of seniors. Methods: this is a randomized and controlled clinical trial involving physical training for the elderly. The study included 84 elderly people (men and women) aged between 60 and 70 years, sedentary and apparently healthy. Participants were randomized into three groups: Functional Training Group (GTF, n=28), Mat Pilates Training Group (GTP, n=28) and Control Group (GC, n=28). The intervention time was 12 weeks, with two 45-minute exercise sessions per week. Volume/intensity progressions were made every three weeks. The sessions were held by group video call. The CG received a booklet with guidelines regarding the practice of physical activity and weekly lectures on health education. Assessments were performed pre and post intervention, analyzing the following outcomes: functional fitness (lower limb strength (30-second chair stand) and dynamic balance (TUG)); level of physical activity and sedentary behavior (IPAQ-SF); quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD); sleep quality (PSQI); depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) and pain (SF-MPQ). Comparisons between groups were performed using the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) method, with group and time factors. Results: for the GTF, after 12 weeks of intervention, improvements were observed in the total quality of life score (WHOQOL-OLD), in addition to improvements in the Death and Dying and Social Participation domains. In addition, there was a significant reduction in depressive symptoms for this same group. On the other hand, the GTP obtained increments only in the Social Participation domain in the WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in functional fitness for the variables lower limb strength and dynamic balance for the GTP. Conclusion: Functional Training and Mat Pilates prescribed remotely were able to promote a series of benefits in the quality of life, depressive symptoms and functional fitness of the elderly during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic