Physical Activity for Improving the Immune System of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate whether regular physical activity, including walking, could strengthen the immune system in older adults and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.
Results Summary
The study found that older adults can maintain activity and health during the COVID-19 pandemic through walking and other exercises, which may positively impact their immune system. Walking, along with other activities, was suggested as a beneficial practice for immune support in this population.
Population
Older adults
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
regular physical activity | increase | immune system | older adults | - | may boost | #1 |
playing sports such as yoga, walking, jogging, and cycling | increase | health status | older people | - | can stay active and healthy | #2 |
online or virtual yoga and Pilates classes and videos | increase | physical activity | older people | - | can use | #3 |
resistance exercises with minimal facilities at home | increase | physical activity | older people | - | can perform | #4 |
daily housework, such as gardening | increase | physical activity | older people | - | can do | #5 |
regular exercise training | increase | immune system | older adults | - | positive role | #6 |
home-based exercises | increase | physical activity | older adults | - | necessary to guide and implement | #7 |
CONTEXT: COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world and reached pandemic proportions. With no definitive treatment to date, prevention is critical, and strengthening the immune system is a valuable tool in reducing the risk of infection. While the aging process can weaken the immune system, physical activity may boost it. OBJECTIVE: The review intended to examine the interaction between the changes in the immune system during aging and the development of a COVID-19 infection, focusing on pathophysiological factors, and to evaluate whether regular physical activity can strengthen the immune system in older adults. DESIGN: The research team performed a narrative review by searching databases. RESULTS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, older people can stay active and healthy through playing sports such as yoga, walking, jogging, and cycling. Also, they can use online or virtual yoga and Pilates classes and videos, perform resistance exercises with minimal facilities at home, and do daily housework, such as gardening. CONCLUSIONS: In general, due to the positive role of regular exercise training on the immune system of the older adults as well as the involvement of the immune system in COVID-19, it's necessary to guide and implement home-based exercises for older adults.