Research published in April 2021 shows that “Patients with COVID-19 who were consistently inactive during the 2 years preceding the pandemic were more likely to be hospitalised, admitted to the intensive care unit and die than patients who were consistently meeting physical activity guidelines“. The research paper shows that being inactive is a higher risk than the following long-term conditions/behaviour:
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- First or second-degree obesity
- Diabetes with A1C between 7% and 8%
The researchers recommend that public health authorities inform all populations that short of vaccination and following public health safety guidelines such as social distancing and mask use, engaging in a regular physical activity may be the single most important action individuals can take to prevent severe COVID-19 and its complications, including death. This message is especially important given the increased barriers to achieving regular PA during lockdowns and other pandemic restrictions.
