OK, we have all heard about the COVID-19 virus.

Starting with the obvious, how does it present?

Based on a large meta-analysis (review of several other original publications summarizing it all together) fever was present in 89.1% of cases, cough in 72.2%, muscle soreness or fatigue was prevalent in 42.5% of patients . 96.6% of patients had abnormal chest cat scan results (Sun P, et al. J Med Virol. 2020). This means that having a fever and a cough, raises suspicion for coronavirus, especially when coupled with travel in locations with establish corona virus infection risk. Coronavirus has been particularly dangerous for the older adults, unfortunately.

In context of coronavirus precautions many people worldwide had been placed on quarantine or have decreased participation in public events to decrease risk of infection, which means that there is less/no outdoors activity and often-times decreased physical activity, which understandably can be perilous for the older adults, especially those with high risk of falls.

A recent publication by relates that “Arguably, staying home, while a safe measure, may have unintended negative consequences since such efforts to avoid human-to-human transmission of the virus may lead to reduced physical activity.  It is likely that prolonged home stay may lead to increased sedentary behaviors, such as spending excessive amounts of time sitting, reclining, or lying down for screening activities (playing games, watching television, using mobile devices); reducing regular physical activity (hence lower energy expenditure); or engaging in avoidance activities that, consequently, lead to an increased risk for and potential worsening of chronic health conditions. Therefore, there is a strong health rationale for continuing physical activity in the home to stay healthy and maintain immune system function in the current precarious environment” (J Sport Health Sci. 2020;9(2):103–104). The authors encourage “exercise at home using various safe, simple, and easily implementable exercises is well suited to avoid the airborne coronavirus and maintain fitness levels. Such forms of exercise may include, but are not limited to, strengthening exercises, activities for balance and control, stretching exercises, or a combination of these. Examples of home exercises include walking in the house and to the store as necessary, lifting and carrying groceries, alternating leg lunges, stair climbing, stand-to-sit and sit-to-stand using a chair and from the floor, chair squats, and sit-ups and pushups… use of eHealth and exercise videos, which focuses on encouraging and delivering physical activity through the Internet, mobile technologies, and television… The aim should be to undertake at least 30 min of moderate physical activity every day and/or at least 20 min of vigorous physical activity every other day.”

Many patients (but not those with impaired safety awareness) may benefit from balance deficits we recommend standing on one foot while supporting oneself on a sturdy surface, e.g. table, counter-top, etc… (never a chair, as it may tip) for 2 minutes at a time three times a day.

Staying fit while minimizing public outings in wake of coronavirus spread is particularly important for older adults, can decrease risk of falls and other medical complications that may lead to emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.

At Steady Strides Fall Prevention and Stroke Rehabilitation Medical Institute, we take particular care to perform a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation of gait and balance by a specialist fall prevention physician, Dr Atanelov, who provides a tailor-made rehabilitation plan of care. Please visit us at www.steadystridesmd.com to learn more and call (443) 898-8160 to book an appointment.