Physical inactivity can lead to severe COVID-19 symptoms –study

Physical inactivity can lead to severe COVID-19 symptoms and even death, according to a study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

According to Mai Bermudez’s Sunday “24 Oras Weekend” report, the research found that patients who were “consistently inactive” for two years before the pandemic are more prone to suffering more.

“[They] had a greater risk of hospitalization, admission to the ICU, and death due to COVID-19 than patients who were consistently meeting physical activity guidelines,” it said.

“Physical inactivity is [associated] with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes,” it added.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine also cited the US Physical Activity Guidelines which states that adults should have over 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

It added that being physically inactive is the strongest risk factor compared to other risk factors including smoking, obesity, and hypertension.

Although such a study has yet to be conducted in the Philippines, it was proven that not exercising may lead to comorbidities that may make COVID-19 worse.

“Ang sedentary will lead to hypertension, obesity, and coronary artery disease. And then kung meron kang family history of diabetes, that can also lead to diabetes,” said infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante.

(Being sedentary will lead to hypertension, obesity, and coronary artery disease. And if you have a family history of diabetes, that can also lead to diabetes.)

The study also found that half of the patients placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) had no underlying illnesses like diabetes, chronic lung conditions, heart disease, and cancer.

After noting patients' histories, it was found that inactive COVID-19 patients have the worst symptoms after testing positive.

According to conditioning coach Royan Hernandez, everyone should “give time to train” even while at home. — Franchesca Viernes/DVM, GMA News