Physical activity and COVID-19. The basis for an efficient intervention in times of COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Physiology & behavior 2022-02, Vol.244, p.113667-113667, Article 113667
• Main Authors: Clemente-Suárez, Vicente Javier, Beltrán-Velasco, Ana Isabel, Ramos-Campo, Domingo Jesús, Mielgo-Ayuso, Juan, Nikolaidis, Pantelis A., Belando, Noelia, Tornero-Aguilera, Jose Francisco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiorespiratory fitness; COVID-19; Exercise; Humans; Inactivity; Mental Health; Metabolic health; Mitochondrial fitness; Pandemics - prevention & control; SARS-CoV-2
• ISSN: 0031-9384; 1873-507X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113667

•Physical activity is a valuable prevention factor in the COVID-19 pandemic.•Physical activity improves body composition and cardiorespiratory health in COVID-19.•Physical activity improves metabolic and mental health of COVID-19 patients.•Physical activity enhances antibody responses in vaccination. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has shocked world health authorities generating a global health crisis. The present study aimed to analyze the different factors associated with physical activity that could have an impact in the COVID-19, providing a practical recommendation based on actual scientific knowledge. We conducted a consensus critical review using primary sources, scientific articles, and secondary bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages. The method was a narrative literature review of the available literature regarding physical activity and physical activity related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main online database used in the present research were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. COVID-19 has negatively influenced motor behavior, levels of regular exercise practice, eating and nutritional patterns, and the psychological status of citizens. These factors feed into each other, worsening COVID-19 symptoms, the risk of death from SARS-CoV-2, and the symptoms and effectiveness of the vaccine. The characteristics and symptoms related with the actual COVID-19 pandemic made the physical activity interventions a valuable prevention and treatment factor. Physical activity improves body composition, the cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and mental health of patients and enhancing antibody responses in vaccination.