Influencia del ejercicio físico en la gravedad de la COVID-19()

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in March 2020. This study aims to clarify the relationship between physical exercise practice and the severity of COVID-19. METHODS: The present research is an observational, cross-sectional study. 29,875 people from the University of Salamanca were surveyed in March 2021 (2800 teacher and research staff, 1289 service staff and 25,786 students). The survey analysed the influence of physical exercise on COVID-19 symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 3662 complete responses were received. Raking methodology was used to extrapolate the results to the entire study population (29,875 people). A statistically significant relationship (P<.001) was recorded between developing symptoms and practicing physical exercise, the probability of suffering symptoms in people who did not practice exercise before COVID-19 was 2.18 times higher than those who practice exercise (95% CI, 1.825-2.611). Practising physical exercise more than 5 days/week was the most protective factor (Chi-square = 134.22, gl = 2; P<000). Intense physical exercise was more effective than moderate exercise (Chi-square = 36.88, gl = 1; P<.000) to prevent COVID-19 symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study proved that physical exercise is a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Regular exercise, at least 5 days/week, has been shown to be the most appropriate option to prevent disease symptoms. Intense exercise achieves greater effectiveness than moderate exercise in controlling the severity of the disease.