This is how long you need to exercise: New study on Covid-19, physical activity

This suggestion follows previous research suggesting that physical activity may decrease both the risk of infection and the severity of respiratory infections due, at least in part, to its ability to boost the immune system. It is important to note that while the link between regular physical activity and COVID-19 severity is poorly understood, the researchers noted that it probably involves both metabolic and environmental factors. The researchers also set out to try to quantify the threshold of physical activity that might be necessary to lower the risks of infection and associated hospital admission and death, according to the news agency. AND ME report.

What the research says about physical movement and Covid-19:

The researchers reportedly searched three major research databases for relevant studies published between November 2019 and March 2022, and from an initial round of 291, pooled the results of 16 studies and included a total of 1,853,610 adults, just over half of whom (54%) were women, while the average age of the participants was 53, according to the report.

Although most of the studies were observational and took place in South Korea, England, Iran, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, Palestine, South Africa, and Sweden, analysis of pooled data showed that, in general, those who included regular physical exams and activity in their weekly routine had an 11% lower risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19.

In addition, the report further highlights that those who exercised had a 36% lower risk of hospital admission, a 44% lower risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and a 43% lower risk of death from COVID-19 than their peers. physically inactive. The maximum protective effect occurred at about 500 minutes per week of metabolic equivalent of task (MET), after which there was no further improvement, according to the report.

However, the researchers caution that the analysis included observational studies, different study designs, subjective assessments of physical activity levels, and referred only to Beta and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 rather than omicronall of which may weaken the findings, according to the report.

It’s worth noting that there are plausible biological explanations for what they found, the researchers said, noting that regular, moderate-intensity exercise can help stimulate the body’s anti-inflammatory responses, as well as cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, all of which may explain its beneficial effects on the severity of Covid-19, they suggest.

In conclusion, the researchers state, “our findings highlight the protective effects of engaging in sufficient physical activity as a public health strategy, with potential benefits in reducing the risk of severe COVID-19.” Given the heterogeneity and risk of publication bias, studies with standardized methodology and reporting of results are now needed.”

(With contributions from the ANI)

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