Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on health parameters and muscle strength of older women: A longitudinal study

Objetives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 13-week COVID-19 lockdown on health-related parameters in women aged 60-70 years. Study design: Thirty women participated in this longitudinal study. All the assessments were performed before and 13 weeks after the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain (March to June 2020). Main outcome measures: A sociodemographic questionnaire was provided, and tests were performed to assess muscle strength, anthropometric measurements, densitometry, blood pressure, blood parameters, Mediterranean diet adherence, and physical activity levels. Results: After the lockdown, both healthy and unhealthy lifestyle groups showed a significant worsening of HDL, cholesterol/HDL lipids, and isometric knee extension strength parameters. However, individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle also showed a significant worsening in LDL lipids, Non-HDL lipids, bone mineral density of the femoral neck, fat mass/height (%), truncal fat mass (absolute and percentage), total fat mass (absolute and percentage) and handgrip strength. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the overall health status of Spanish older women, potentially increasing their susceptibility to comorbidities, such as lipid cholesterol, body fat, and decreased muscle strength.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the impact of a 13-week COVID-19 lockdown on health-related parameters in women aged 60-70 years. The results showed a significant worsening of HDL, cholesterol/HDL lipids, and isometric knee extension strength parameters in both healthy and unhealthy lifestyle groups after the lockdown. Moreover, individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle also showed a significant worsening in other health parameters.