Different guidelines call for all adults to engage in at least 150 minutes/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. It is well-known that regular physical activity reduces the risk of systemic inflammation, which is a major contributor to lung damage caused by COVID-19. A retrospective observational study was conducted to compare the hospitalisation rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and mortality for COVID-19 patients who were consistently inactive, having some activities or consistently meeting physical activity guidelines. It was found that COVID-19 patients who were consistently inactive had a greater risk of hospitalisation, admission to ICU and death compared with the patients who were consistently meeting physical activity guidelines. Hence, it is recommended to promote physical activity being prioritised and incorporated into routine medical care.

Keywords: COVID-19, physical activity, hospitalisation rate, intensive care unit admissions, death

Reference

Sallis R, et al. Br J Sports Med 2021;bjsports-2021-104080.