Exercise and CoViD-19: A Brief Narrative Review on Immunology, Prevention and Recovery

Abstract

Introduction: The new coronavirus, the etiological agent of CoViD-19, causes damage to several systems in the human body, particularly the lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, and vascular system. Spread to the world in early 2020, little was known about the disease. More recently, evidence has begun to emerge that physical exercise (PE) can help prevent it. Objective: To present a brief review of the literature about the relationship between PE and health promotion of the immune system and its relationship with CoViD-19. Methods: This study was a narrative review. The search was carried out using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The language used was English and the following terms were used: “exercise and CoViD-19”. Results and Discussion: PE improves endothelial function, improving the immune system, contributes to reducing obesity, as well as contributing to mental health, providing additional benefits, as both negative affective states and obesity increase inflammation and decrease function immunological. In addition, the literature shows that higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower prevalence of CoViD-19 symptoms and physical inactivity had a 32% higher relative risk for hospitalization for CoViD-19. Conclusion: PE promotes mitochondrial health, contributing to the maintenance of the immune system. The intensity of PE is important to improve endothelial function, immunity and mental health and must be moderate, in addition to maintaining the regularity of the practice so the organic benefits can be achieved.

Keywords

• physical activity
• immunology
• coronavirus
• pandemic
• preventive medicine