Association Between Physical Activity and Risk of Covid-19 Infection or Clinical Outcomes of the Patients With Covid-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher Pubmed



Halabchi F¹ ; Mahdaviani B² ; Tazesh B² ; Shabbidar S³ ; Selkghaffari M²
Source: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Published:2023

Abstract

Objective. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious conse- quences for global health and economy. The important question is whether the level of physical activity might influence the risk of COVID-19 incidence or clinical outcomes, including the severity or mortality of infected patients. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the association between sufficient physical activity and incidence, hospitalization, sever- ity, recovery, and mortality of COVID-19. Methods. A systematic search of Web of Sciences, PubMed, and Scopus between December 2019 and November 2021 was con- ducted. Studies were screened based on the inclusion criteria, i.e. observational studies (case-control, prospective or retrospective longitudinal designs, and cross-sectional studies) which have determined the association of physical activity, exercise, sports participation, or sedentary behavior with COVID-19 incidence or outcomes, including mortality, severity, recovery and hospi- talization in healthy population or population with any specific comorbidity. Results. Based on eligibility criteria, 27 articles were finally included in the qualitative synthesis. The meta-analysis of five studies evaluating the association of physical activity and COVID-19 mortality showed a weighted OR of OR of 0.61 (CI 95%: 0.50-0.75) with heterogeneity (I2 = 45.8%, P < 0.001) and in seven studies regarding physical activity and COVID-19 hospitalization, weighted OR was 0.541 (CI 95%: 0.491-0.595) with heterogeneity (I2 = 81.7%, P < 0.001). Conclusion. Participating in sufficient physical activity might decrease COVID-19 related COVID-19-related hospitalization and mortality. Developing programs to increase physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic might be an appropriate health strategy. © Copyright by Pacini Editore Srl, Pisa, Italy.