Change in static standing balance ability of community-residing elderly females after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic in Japan

Purpose] This study aimed to examine the changes in the balance ability of community-residing elderly females between 2017 and 2020. Participants and Methods] The participants included 202 females with ≥65 years of age (average age, 78.3 ± 5.88 years), living independently in the community and attending the salon. The balance ability was measured through a one-legged standing test by keeping the participants’ eyes open. The measurement duration was a maximum of 120 s while standing still. Each participant underwent the measurement twice, and the best attempt was recorded. The survey period was from 2017 to 2020, and the measurements were conducted once a year. Results] The 2020 records showed a statistically significant difference compared to those of the other 3 years. The degree of decline was higher in the old-old than that in the young-old. Conclusion] The balance ability of the elderly females was found to reduce significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, supporting physical activities in the old-old females is necessary to improve their balance ability.