Losing Ground Following Community Exercise Program Closures: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of the Impact of COVID-19 Related Pandemic Restrictions on Exercise Participation, Physical Activity, and Health of Older Adults with Balance and Mobility Limitations

Abstract

Purpose: To understand the impact of COVID-19-related closures of community-based exercise programs (CBEPs) on exercise participation, physical activity, and health of older adults with balance and mobility limitations; facilitators, and barriers to exercise and physical activity; and preferred support from recreation centres and healthcare providers. Method: This qualitative descriptive study involved semi-structured interviews with seven older adults (aged 50–76 years) with balance and mobility limitations, enrolled in CBEPs at a recreation centre in a suburban area in Canada prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a thematic analysis. Results: One major theme, losing ground in the absence of structured exercise, was identified. Despite engaging in alternative at-home or outdoor activities, participants perceived a worsening of their balance and mobility, dissatisfaction with the extent of exercises and physical activity, and loss of social connectedness. Participants desired structured, individualized exercise resources, and frequent check-ins from exercise instructors to stay physically active during program suspension. Conclusions: Following CBEP closures, older adults with balance and mobility limitations from a single recreation centre perceived declines in physical and mental health, exercise participation and social interaction, and desired personalized exercises and communication from exercise instructors. The small sample size may have limited achievement of saturation.