“ACTIVE AGE”: virtual cognitive-motor-dual-task training on emotional aspects of women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors

• Soraia Fernandes das Neves Universidade Federal do ABC

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17058/cgn74468

Keywords:

COVID-19, Mental Health, Telehealth, Women, Aged

Abstract

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic forced the implementation of social distancing measures, resulting in isolation and an increase in physical, eating, and emotional disorders. Elderly individuals and women were particularly affected, showing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Online interventions emerged as alternatives to mitigate these impacts, with cognitive-motor dual-task (DT) training being a possibility to improve emotional and physical aspects. Objective: to assess the impact of a virtual cognitive-motor DT program on the emotional aspects of women aged 40 to 70 during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the viability of the 100% remote. Methodology: the pilot study "ACTIVE AGE" used a pre-test/post-test design with a single group (n=31). After online recruitment, participants followed a protocol consisting of 36 sessions over 12 weeks. Shapiro-Wilk normality tests and the non-parametric Wilcoxon test were applied, with p < 0.05 and effect size (r) calculation. Results: significant reductions were observed in anxiety (p=0.016) and depression (p=0.037) scores, with moderate effect sizes. Changes were noted in some DASS-21 scores, which shifted from mild anxiety and depression classifications to normal ranges. Conclusion: virtual cognitive-motor DT training proved effective in reducing negative emotional symptoms in adult and elderly women during the pandemic, highlighting the potential of remote interventions. The study suggests the need for strategies to increase adherence and overcome technological barriers, especially in developing countries.

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