Regular physical activity is a known prevention of numerous chronic diseases. Recent data indicates it may also have important functions in the COVID-19 pandemic and in the prevention of infectious diseases when paired with the vaccine.
A study by Glasgow Caledonian University has found this connection. The study found a person who is active is 50% more likely to have a higher antibody count after receiving a vaccine than somebody who is not active.
For the study, researchers gathered and reviewed all available evidence relating to the effect of physical activity on the risk of falling ill and dying from infectious diseases like pneumonia — a frequent cause of death from COVID-19 — on the functioning of the immune system and outcome of vaccination.
The definition of physical activity in the study is as aerobic — walking, running, cycling — or resistance. Or, it is a combination of aerobic and resistance activity. The activity is done three to five times per week for an average of 30 minutes at moderate to vigorous intensity for 12 weeks.
The results of the study show higher levels of habitual physical activity are associated with:
- 31% lower risk of infectious disease.
- 37% lower risk of infectious disease-related mortality.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be beneficial to use this information in your marketing strategy. Simply encourage those in your community to engage in regular physical activity. It can strengthen their immune system and decrease their risk of infectious disease.
However, the current evidence doesn’t provide enough information on the effects to immune defense by:
- Time
- Frequency
- Duration
- Type of physical activity
However, the level of physical activity currently recommended for the prevention of chronic disease is 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity combining aerobic and strengthening activity. It appears to be also protective against infectious disease and infectious disease mortality as well.
You can access and read the full research here to learn more.
