A new study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggests that regular physical activity could help reduce severe outcomes associated with COVID-19 infection.

The study looked at 65,361 members of a South African private health plan, diagnosed with COVID-19 from March 2020 through June 2021. They were matched with physical activity data over the 2 years before the March 2020 lockdown imposed in the country, collected by smart devices. The study looked at gym attendance and mass event participation in a voluntary healthy lifestyle behavior program associated with the insurer.

Overall, 20.4% of the participants were found to be involved in low levels of at least moderate-intensity physical activity per week (0 - 59 minutes), 34.5% in moderate levels (60 - 149 minutes), and 45.1% in high levels (150 minutes or more). Around 11.1% were admitted to a hospital due to COVID-19, 2.4% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), 1.3% needed a ventilator, and 1.6% died.

After adjusting for demographic and other risk factors, analyses revealed that with COVID-19, individuals engaging in high versus low physical activity had a 34% lower risk for hospitalization (risk ratio [RR], 0.66), a 41% lower risk for ICU admission (RR, 0.59), 45% lower risk of requiring ventilation (RR, 0.55), and a 42% lower risk for death (RR, 0.58). It was noted that even moderate amounts of physical exercise, below the recommended level of at least 150 minutes/week, were associated with all these benefits… (Medscape, March 25, 2022)