New research suggests that regular physical activity can help lower the risk of COVID-19 infection and its severity, with a weekly tally of 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous, physical activity giving the best pengolahan minyak atsiri protection.
“Our findings highlight the protective effects of engaging in sufficient physical activity as a public health strategy, with potential benefits to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19,” say Antonio Garcia-Hermoso, PhD, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, and colleagues.
“Regular physical activity seemed to be related to a lower risk of COVID-19 infection, says Garcia-Hermosa. “There is evidence that regular physical activity might contribute to a more effective immune response, providing enhanced protective immunity to infections, which could explain the relationship between exercise consistency with COVID-19 infection.”
Regular exercise may also help to boost the body’s anti-inflammatory responses, as well as cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, all of which may explain its beneficial effects on COVID-19 severity, the researchers say.
“I hope that the findings from our study give people a good reason to be physically active. Everybody can benefit from being more active, regardless of age, sex or physical ability. People who do not normally exercise should understand that all physical activity is beneficial … It can be done as part of work, sport and leisure or transport (walking, wheeling and cycling), but also through dance, play and everyday household tasks, like gardening and cleaning,” Garcia-Hermosa says.
The study was published online August 22 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.