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P A R T 4
Physical exercise and COVID-19

Despite the lack of accurate data on how physical activity improves the immune response against the new
coronavirus, there is evidence of lower rates of Acute respiratory infection (ARI) incidence, duration and
intensity of symptoms and risk of mortality from infectious respiratory diseases in individuals who exercise
at high levels appropriate.
Studies suggest that regular physical exercise is directly related to decreased mortality from pneumonia
and influenza, improvements in cardiorespiratory function, vaccine response, metabolism of glucose,
lipids and insulin.
Increased immune surveillance against infections has been proposed as a mechanism responsible for
improving the immune response related to physical exercise.
During regular physical exercise practices:
inflammatory responses and stress hormones are decreased.
lymphocytes, NK cells, immature B cells and monocytes are at high levels.
Thus, there is an improvement in immunovigilance and a reduction in the systemic inflammatory process.
These factors corroborate that regular physical activity helps to improve the immune system, prevent
respiratory diseases and protect against infections such as COVID-19.
Dynamic exercises that generate cardiorespiratory overload promote the mobilization and redistribution
of effector lymphocytes.
Regular exercise practices at moderate levels favor the function of the human body’s immune surveillance
against pathogens, a fact that reduces morbidity and mortality from acute respiratory disease and
infections viral.
Exhaustive physical practices before or during an infectious condition, such as influenza or COVID-19, can
trigger severe illness due to changes in the immune system
The population is aging more, becoming more obese and, consequently, less active when it comes to
physical exercise.
As a result:
Greater susceptibility to infectious diseases and systemic inflammatory processes,
Decreased response to antibodies and,
Compromised immunological surveillance.
For the elderly population, physical activity is even more essential.
This population generally has greater comorbidities and are more vulnerable to contracting the COVID-19.
Regular physical exercise in the elderly population results:
Reduction in oxidative stress,

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