Well, hasn't the last couple of years been a ride. COVID-19 has definitely changed the way we live, not necessarily for the better. However, how could we make it change how we live for the better? Maybe it could be the push you need to increase your levels of physical activity. Here's why.
In a recently released study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine, it was found that physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Interestingly, that is also the title of the paper. What this study set to do was to make a comparison between hospitalisation rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and mortality for patients with COVID-19, and compare this with their physical activity levels, whether that be meeting physical activity guidelines consistently, doing some level of physical activity or consistently physically inactive. The managed to identify 48, 440 adult patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between 1 January 1st 2020 October 21st 2020, with a minimum of three exercise vital sign measurements between March 19th 2018 and March 18th 2020.
What these researchers found may be surprising to some. They found patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis who were consistently inactive had a greater risk of hospitalisation, admission to the ICU and death due to COVID-19 than patients who were consistently meeting physical activity guidelines. Patients who were consistently inactive also had a greater risk of hospitalisation, admission to the ICU and death due to COVID-19 than patients who were doing some physical activity.
This is not the only time physical activity can have a protective mechanism. In a seperate recently released study they found muscle-strengthening activities are associated with lower risk and mortality in major non-communicable diseases. That is also the title of this great paper.
Our Perth Chiropractors in Brabham are big fans of physical activity, and often treatment plans will involve a physical therapy component. If you're struggling to remain physically active, our Perth Chiropractors in Brabham are always here to help. Feel free to contact us any stage for any enquiries.
Studies Referenced in this article.
Sallis R, Young DR, Tartof SY, et al
Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes: a study in 48 440 adult patients
British Journal of Sports Medicine 2021;55:1099-1105.
Momma H, Kawakami R, Honda T, et al
Muscle-strengthening activities are associated with lower risk and mortality in major non-communicable diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 28 February 2022. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105061