LOCKDOWN LEGACY - BALANCE

The lasting impact of the pandemic shutdown

We seem to have lost our footing slightly during lockdown, with physiotherapists seeing an increase in falls in older adults. ‘During lockdown, many of my clients were only walking about a third of the amount they used to,’ says Sammy Margo, a physiotherapist based in London. ‘Reduced activity leads to muscle weakening that causes instability, particularly in older adults,’ she explains. ‘But I also think that the pandemic has destabilised us. That might sound a little unscientific but cortisol, the hormone released during stress, does affect the vestibular system in the ear that controls balance. ‘The good news is that balance is like a muscle and you can retrain it by using it. Exercises such as standing from a sitting position a few times or standing on one leg, with your eyes closed if you can, while you brush your teeth, will help. Also taking walks on less stable surfaces such as grass or sand and walking confidently can make a difference. ‘As your confidence and strength improve so will your balance.’ We seem to have lost our footing slightly during lockdown, with physiotherapists seeing an increase in falls in older adults