Investigation of the relationship between musculoskeletal system disorders, fatigue levels and physical activity levels of 60+ individuals during the COVİD-19 pandemic period

Objective: In this study, it is aimed to examine whether there is a statistically significant relationship between the musculoskeletal system disorders, fatigue levels, levels of physical activity and sociodemographic characteristics of individuals over 60 during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Method: In this study, data is collected using the questionnaire method, which is a quantitative study technique. Data collection tools consisted of Socio-demographic Information Form, The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), Multidimensional Assesment of Fatique Scale (MAF) and The Physical Activity Scale For The Elderly (PASE). The individuals to participate in the study were determined on a voluntary basis, and the questionnaires were collected both face-to-face and online. The SAS 9.4 program was used for the statistical analysis of the data obtained in the study. Data; descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk test and examination of skewness coefficients, parametric tests, t test, Analysis of Variance (F test), Pearson correlation analysis were used. Results: It was found that there was a statistically significant negative correlation between neck pain risk score and physical activity level. There was a weak positive correlation between the level of fatigue and the pain risk scores of the neck, waist, right shoulder, left knee, right lower leg, and left foot. And there was a positive, moderately statistically significant relationship between the fatigue level and the right/left upper leg and right knee pain scores. No statistically significant difference was found between physical activity level and fatigue level. Conclusion: The long-term negative effects of the social isolation measures brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertain situation of the epidemic process adversely affect the biopsychosocial reserves of elderly individuals. It is recommended to carry out new research and develop strategies to eliminate these negative effects, to encourage the healthy and active aging of the elderly and to provide them with areas of participation.