What are the findings?
‘Patients with COVID-19 who were consistently inactive during the 2 years preceding the pandemic were more likely to be hospitalised, admitted to the intensive care unit and die than patients who were consistently meeting physical activity guidelines. Other than advanced age and a history of organ transplant, physical inactivity was the strongest risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
‘Meeting US Physical Activity Guidelines was associated with substantial benefit, but even those doing some physical activity had lower risks for severe COVID-19 outcomes including death than those who were consistently inactive.’
How might it impact on clinical practice in the future?
‘The potential for habitual physical activity to lower COVID-19 illness severity should be promoted by the medical community and public health agencies.’
Read here (BMJ British Journal of Sports Medicine, April 13, 2021)
