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Sustaining efficient immune functions with regular physical exercise in the COVID-19 era and beyond
Guilherme Eustáquio Furtado1,2,3, Rubens Vinícius Letieri4,5, Adriana Caldo-Silva3
1Health Sciences Research Unit, Nursing (UICISA:E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|January 4, 2021
Summary
Regular physical activity boosts immune function, crucial for combating COVID-19 (coronavirus disease). This review explores how exercise can enhance immunity during and after the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated public health measures, including social isolation, which disrupted regular physical activity.
- Physical activity is vital for overall health, supporting cardiovascular, respiratory, osteo-muscular, and immune system functions.
- Sedentary behavior due to COVID-19 restrictions negatively impacts health and immune capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of COVID-19 on active lifestyles.
- To discuss the potential benefits of exercise-induced immune enhancement against COVID-19 severity.
- To explore how exercise adherence can improve immune responses in the COVID-19 era and beyond.
Main Methods:
- This is a narrative review based on existing scientific literature.
- The review synthesizes current research on physical activity, immunity, and COVID-19.
- It discusses the implications of exercise for immune function in the context of the pandemic.
Main Results:
- Physical inactivity linked to COVID-19 public health measures has detrimental effects on health.
- Regular exercise can bolster immune system responses.
- Enhanced immunity through exercise may mitigate COVID-19 severity or progression.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining physical activity is essential for immune health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Exercise can be a valuable strategy to improve immune resilience against viral infections like COVID-19.
- The findings support the integration of exercise into public health strategies for pandemic preparedness and recovery.
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