Evaluation of Geriatric Individuals with Covid-19 Living in Nursing Homes

Authors : Hüseyin Başeğmez, Ferruh Taspinar, Betül Taşpınar

Pages : 451-461

Doi:10.34108/eujhs.1578904

View : 62 | Download : 105

Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Geriatric individuals are among the most affected populations after Coronavirus infection (COVID-19), and the infection is more common in places where collective spaces are shared, such as nursing homes, and causes physical disability. For this reason, our study was planned to examine the physical function, functional capacity, balance, and quality of life of geriatric individuals with COVID-19 infection living in nursing homes. A total of 42 individuals over the age of 65 living in nursing homes whose COVID-19 test turned positive to negative with in the last 6 months (n=21) and healthy (n=21) were included in the study. Physical performance test, physical activity scale for the elderly, hand grip strength and back and leg dynamometer for physical functions, 6-minute walk test for functional capacity, Berg balance scale for balance, Short Form 36 for quality of life were used. In the study, it was found that individuals who had COVID-19 had lower physical function results, 6-minute walk test distance, and Berg balance score compared to individuals who had not had COVID-19 (p<0.05). In addition, the physical function, physical role limitation, and general health sub-scales of the SF-36 scale were found to be significantly lower in geriatric individuals who have COVID-19 (p<0.05). The results of this study showed that COVID-19 negatively affects physical function, functional capacity, balance, and quality of life in geriatric individuals living in nursing homes. To reduce the negative effects caused by COVID-19 and increase physical function, necessary precautions need to be planned in nursing homes.
Keywords : COVID-19, yaşlı, pandemik, fiziksel fonksiyonel performans, postüral denge.

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