Physical function in vulnerable adults and mental health considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic

The NCSEM-EM hosted a series of online lifestyle education sessions in June and July 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These sessions were aimed at GPs and other healthcare professionals but were open to anyone with an interest in the topics. This session covered three talks on the impact of exercise and diet on COVID-19.

Physical function in vulnerable adults: considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic

The imposed government isolation means that many individuals will reduce their overall daily physical activity and increase their sedentary behaviour (sitting time). Even healthy and fit individuals will experience ‘reversibility’ but this is more concerning in vulnerable adults. Professor David Broom’s talk explored the principal of reversibility and the associated physiological and health changes and thereafter provide simple messages and interventions to help prevent it.

Mental health considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic

The increasing prevalence of mental health problems is a growing global concern. It is already evident that the direct and indirect psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are pervasive and could affect acute and chronic mental health. Dr Florence Kinnafick’s presentation explored mental health considerations during the pandemic and how physical activity can be used as a tool to help protect and improve mental health.

You can view both of the presentations in the video above. Specific speakers can be found at the following times:

Prof David Broom – Physical function in vulnerable adults: considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic (view at 2 mins 06 secs)
Dr Florence Kinnafick – Mental health considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic (view at 51 mins 49 secs)