Correlation between physical activity practice and mortality from COVID-19: an ecological study

Background and objective: new population-level studies are needed to better assess the relationship between physical inactivity and mortality from COVID-19. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between population prevalence of physical activity and standardized mortality rates by COVID-19 in Brazilian capital cities and the Federal District. Methods: this is an ecological study, whose analysis is secondary. The prevalence of physical inactivity, insufficient physical activity, and physical activity during free time was obtained from the Surveillance of Risk Factors and Protection for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey 2019 (VIGITEL), according to minutes spent on leisure, commuting, and household activities. The COVID-19 mortality data was obtained from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe), adding the accumulated deaths until December 31, 2020. The resident population was estimated from the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica (IBGE) for the year 2020. Pearson Correlation evaluated the correlation between the prevalence of different physical activity practices and the standardized mortality rate from COVID-19, in total, and according to age groups. Results: there was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.420;p = 0.029) between the overall prevalence of insufficient physical activity and the standardized COVID-19 mortality rate. No correlation was observed between the other prevalence of physical activity and the standardized mortality rate from COVID-19. Conclusion: there was a correlation between insufficient levels of physical activity and the standardized mortality rate from COVID-19 in people living in Brazilian capital cities.

The Effect of Physical Exercise during COVID-19 Lockdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted an effect on the general population that went over every expectation. To explore the effect of physical exercise (PE) during the national lockdown in Italy, a survey was drawn up and administered to a sample composed of 208 subjects. The questionnaire comprised 81 multiple-choice items, including sociodemographic data, health-related questions, and assessment of physical exercise, satisfaction with life, depression, and personality. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of physical exercise during the outbreak following the present hypothesis: first, if a link exists between the time spent on physical exercise during the lockdown and the perceived health condition, depressive and somatic symptomatology, and life satisfaction; second, to find associations among the SF-12 component summaries and the other psychological outcomes; and finally, to explore how physical and psychological variables are predictive of PCS-12 and MCS-12. The results showed that both vigorous and moderate physical exercise was strongly correlated with psychological variables, with statistically significant negative correlations found between age and physical exercise. Additionally, significant positive correlations were observed between physical exercise and mental health indices, such as MCS-12 and SWLS, whereas negative correlations were found with BDI, PCS-12, and SOM-H. The correlation analysis also revealed that physical and individual mental health summaries were associated with psychological outcomes, with statistically significant negative correlations found between PCS-12 and MCS, PCS-12 and SOM-H, and MCS-12 and BDI scores. Regression analysis showed that physical activities and psychological status both had a direct influence on perceived mental and physical well-being during the lockdown, accounting for 56.7% and 35.5% of the variance, respectively. The p-values for the significant correlations ranged from <0.05 to <0.01. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of physical exercise and psychological well-being in maintaining good health during the pandemic.

Editorial Special Issue: 2021 consortium for trans-pyrenean investigations on obesity and diabetes.

This Special Issue of the Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry contains 7 contributions that have been elaborated in the context of the mini-network "Consortium of Trans-Pyrenean Investigations on Obesity and Diabetes" (CTPIOD), which is on its 18th year of existence. This scientific community, mostly involving research groups from France and Spain, but also open to participants coming from all over the world, is focusing its attention on the prevention and the novel treatments of obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other noncommunicable diseases. Accordingly, this special issue covers some nutritional, pharmacologic, and genetic aspects of the current knowledge of metabolic diseases. Some of these papers emerge from the lectures of the 18th Conference on Trans-Pyrenean Investigations in Obesity and Diabetes, organized by the University of Clermont-Ferrand and celebrated online in November 30, 2021.

Long-term consequences of COVID-19 on mental health and the impact of a physically active lifestyle: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Respiratory viruses damage not only the upper respiratory tract in humans, but also several different organs such as the brain. Some of the neurological consequences of COVID-19 reported are anosmia, headache, stroke, declined cognitive function, and impaired mental health, among others. People who had COVID-19 have a higher risk of sequelae in the central nervous system (CNS). However, it is not known which are all possible sequelae and how long will last the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioral patterns and quality of life. AIM: We intend to address the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on mental health and the relevance of physical exercise during the pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a literature search using PubMed to find the articles that were related to these themes. RESULTS: We found 23,489 papers initially, and then we applied the inclusion/exclusion criteria to narrow down our search to 3617 articles and selected 1380 eligible articles after a thorough reading of titles and abstracts. The findings indicated that COVID-19 impacted general mental health and led many not only hospitalized patients to develop cognitive decline, memory impairment, anxiety, sleep alterations, and depressive-like behavior. Furthermore, the fear of vaccines and their effects had negatively affected mental health and directly impacted mortality rates in unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive measures must be undertaken, such as the vaccination of the entire population, vaccination hesitancy discouragement by creating awareness among individuals, and people's engagement in a physically active lifestyle, since being physically active is a low-cost and effective measure to restore or inhibit the negative outcomes from COVID-19 on mental health.

The role of the therapeutic physical exercise and the complex recovery treatment for the patients with chronic degenerative diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of pain and musculoskeletal disability and mainly affects the middle-aged and the elderly. The condition is chronic and disabling, it diminishes the patients' quality of life. Purpose. The study had the purpose of pointing out a possible connection between physical activity and the reduction of pain accompanied by the increased functional capacity in patients with chronic degenerative diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and method: The study was conducted on an outpatient basis for a period of 6 months on a number of 40 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The evaluation of the patients was made at the beginning of the treatment and at its end (after 4 weeks), as well as at the control after 12 weeks. Results: The study included a number of 40 patients over 45 years old, divided into 2 study groups: in group L1-knee osteoarthritis and in group L2 -hip osteoarthritis. The therapeutic physical exercise reduced pain and stiffness, and it also improved the functional capacity. Conclusions: Therapeutic physical exercise has an important role in the reduction of pain and disability, as well as in the increase in the quality of life, if it is done properly.

Adapting Components of the Multimodal Minds in Motion Activity Program into General Practice.

Introduction: As promoted in the Best Practice Caregiving national database, the Minds in Motion (MiM) program is an evidence-based, multimodal activity program focused on improving the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of older adults with cognitive impairment and their caregivers. We describe herein how we translated the MIM principles into general practice. Methods: Our program consisted of 20 unique sessions on a twice per month schedule, each featuring a different theme based on a holiday, an activity, or a common past experience. Each session included physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and support group components. Our goal was to make the experience an enjoyable social interaction, while potentially benefiting brain function and quality of life. Results: Twenty-two older adults with cognitive impairment participated during 2019, our last pre-COVID-19 year, average 10/session, average age 79. Discussion: Our program demonstrated that the principles of the model MiM program can be translated into a "real world" clinical setting. We engaged our participants in meaningful, multimodal physical, cognitive, and social activities. We also demonstrated that the intensity, duration, and frequency of our program sessions do not overtax them. We have included considerations that may benefit other care providers who may be interested in developing their own multimodal programs.

College students became more morning in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic: impacts on sleep, mood, sunlight exposure and physical activity

The aim of the study was to evaluate the sleep, sunlight exposure, chronotype, mood and physical activity of college students in two consecutive years during the COVID-19 pandemic (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: RBR-4m5j4s). The students (n = 318) answered questionnaires in two moments (2020 - time 1 and 2021 – time 2). The data showed that there was less sunlight exposure and a chronotype with more morning tendencies in the time 2, but with no difference in sleep quality. College students walked more and sat less on weekends, but with no difference in the physical activity level. Physical activity and morning chronotype were associated with lower psychological impact. Therefore, college students, despite being less exposed to sunlight and having greater morning trends in 2021, maintained psychological symptoms, sleep quality and physical activity in the first two years of the pandemic. However, students who practiced physical activity and were mornings suffered less psychological impact. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Biological Rhythm Research is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

The impact of adolescents' health motivation on the relationship among mental stress, physical exercise, and stress symptoms during COVID-19: A dual moderation model.

Objective: Many Chinese teenagers are experiencing high mental stress levels due to epidemic-related restrictions and closures. Mental stress can induce numerous associated symptoms, and physical exercise is considered to buffer mental stress. However, it remains unclear whether health motivation regulates the relationships among mental stress, physical exercise, and stress symptoms. This study examined whether mental stress events during the epidemic can predict stress symptoms, whether physical exercise can buffer mental stress, and whether the mental stress buffer effect is enhanced when health motivation regarding physical exercise is high. Methods: In total, 2,420 junior high school students (1,190 boys and 1,230 girls; 826 seventh-grade students, 913 eighth-grade students, and 681 ninth-grade students) from nine provinces nationwide were selected to investigate mental stress events, symptoms, health motivation, and physical exercise in adolescents. The hypothesis was tested with a multiple regression analysis. Results: A positive relationship between adolescent mental stress events and stress symptoms was observed, and an interactive relationship was found among health motivation, physical exercise, and mental stress factors. Specifically, the mental stress-buffering effect of physical exercise was significant only when health motivation was high. Conclusion: In the post-epidemic period, the influence of mental stress events on stress symptoms in adolescents was found to be buffered by physical exercise only in terms of high health motivation. This result highlighted the role of health motivation in the buffering effect of physical exercise on mental stress during an epidemic.

Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Sleep, and Psychology of Endurance Athletes-CAESAR Study.

COVID-19 has a deteriorating impact on health which is especially important for endurance athletes (EAs) who need to maintain continuity of training. The illness affects sleep and psychology, which influence sport performance. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the consequences of mild COVID-19 on sleep and psychology and (2) to assess the consequences of mild COVID-19 on cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) results. A total of 49 EAs (males = 43, 87.76%; females = 6, 12.24%; age = 39.9 ± 7.8 years; height = 178.4 ± 6.8 cm; weight = 76.3 ± 10.4 kg; BMI = 24.0 ± 2.6 kg·m-2) underwent a maximal cycling or running CPET pre- and post-COVID-19 and completed an original survey. Exercise performance deteriorated after COVID-19 (maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max = 47.81 ± 7.81 vs. 44.97 ± 7.00 mL·kg·min-1 pre- and post-infection, respectively; p < 0.001). Waking up at night affected the heart rate (HR) at the respiratory compensation point (RCP) (p = 0.028). Sleep time influenced pulmonary ventilation (p = 0.013), breathing frequency (p = 0.010), and blood lactate concentration (Lac) (p = 0.013) at the RCP. The maximal power/speed (p = 0.046) and HR (p = 0.070) were linked to the quality of sleep. Stress management and relaxation techniques were linked with VO2max (p = 0.046), maximal power/speed (p = 0.033), and maximal Lac (p = 0.045). Cardiorespiratory fitness deteriorated after mild COVID-19 and was correlated with sleep and psychological indices. Medical professionals should encourage EAs to maintain proper mental health and sleep after COVID-19 infection to facilitate recovery.

Physical Activity Effects on Muscle Fatigue in Sport in Active Adults with Long COVID-19: An Observational Study.

Long COVID-19-related changes in physiology includes alterations in performing muscle work as fatigue. Data available do not allow us to define the usefulness of physical activity to attenuate long COVID-19 functional modifications. The present observational study investigates the effects of physical activity on the perception of fatigue, maximum power output, sleep, and cognitive modifications in subjects affected by long COVID-19, distinguishing between active and sedentary subjects. The data demonstrated the following: the perception of fatigue 1 year after the end of virus positivity was significantly reduced with respect to that observed after 6 months by more than 50% more in active subjects compared to sedentary ones; 6 months after the end of virus positivity, the force developed by active subjects was reduced (RM factor: p < 0.001, η2p = 0.527, post hoc: p < 0.001), but the reduction was more pronounced in sedentary ones (mean difference = 38.499 W); poor sleep quality and mild cognitive impairment were assessed in both active and sedentary subjects. In conclusion, the study suggests that the long COVID-19 fatigue was lower in active subjects respect to sedentary ones. A comparative analysis performed due to the overlap of functional alterations between long COVID-19 and ME/CFS showed that in a small percentage of the enrolled subjects (8%), the symptomatology reflected that of ME/CFS and was independent of the individual physical capacities.

Nutrition and physical exercise prevention strategies to reduce obesity during the covid-19 pandemic

Obesity has reached an epidemic level of 75 million obese adults and 15 million obese children in the United States. The research problem addressed in this study is the lack of information on how obese people manage their weight-loss strategies to prevent or reduce obesity during shut-in place restrictions for the COVID-19 Pandemic. This study included the Prochaska and DiClemente Trans-Theoretical Model of Behavioral Change and the Stage of Change Theory. The phenomenon approach using phenomenology described participants' lived experiences of being obese. The researcher completed data collection and evaluation among sixteen participants using email questionnaires to analyze participant's responses to answer research questions on the lived experiences of African American adult women in Horn Lake, MS. Findings and recommendations from the study indicated the impact the COVID-19 Pandemic had on the African American population for participants in Horn Lake, MS is due to limited access to healthy and fresh foods, supply chain disruption, and panic buying. Data showed decreased physical exercise due to the closure of gyms, closure of neighborhood parks, and cancellation of sports and other activities increased obesity rates. Future recommendations from the study should include researchers interviewing a more significant number of obese people to assess the relative prevalence of the general population to understand how obese people increase the risk of severe illness because of the COVID-19 virus. This study can influence positive social change through educational awareness programs by helping public health officials educate African American women on obesity and the COVID-19 virus to help the community better self-manage their health during COVID-19. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Physical activity in college students before and during the COVID-19 lockdown.

COVID-19 lockdown has changed student's lifestyle, especially the physical activity (PA) as many students remained at home with limitations to perform PA. Objective(s): To determine the level of physical activity of private university students before and during lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): A cross-sectional study was performed including all pre-graduated students of the Public Health and Administration Faculty (N=161) invited by e-mail. To measure the level of PA before and during the lockdown, a short version of the questionnaire IPAQ was applied via Google Forms. Result(s): The answer rate was 56.5% (n=91). A significant reduction in PA before and during lockdown was observed, values were 55.6%, 10.9% and 11.1% for the high, intermediate, and low levels of PA. The number of students that performed PA based on WHO's recommendation decreased from 36 to 23 (36.1%). Conclusion(s): The lockdown impacted negatively in the intensity and frequency of PA based on WHO's recommendations.Copyright © Revista Medica Herediana. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Bahrain's Adaptive Sports on Quality of Life

The importance of research and review of the advantages of physical exercise for humans and the importance of sports and the extent of its impact on the lives of individuals in various aspects. Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 consider sport is one of the most important factors to increase immunity in the human body, and that sport is important to confront COVID-19 and all diseases, so there are positives to the need to adhere to sports practices. Literature Review shows Public sector support for sport and physical activity unleash promote wellbeing and health, pursue positive social goals and promoting genders equality (Giulianotti et al. 2019) and how Physical activities enhance quality of life as exercise are very great for the general health and physical and psychological health of those who exercise regularly. (Shen et al. 2020).The method of the research is systematically literature review the articles related how sport enhancing quality of life, global initiatives regarding sport as social innovation and Bahrain overview about physical activity. In the Conclusion, Sport is one of the main things in a healthy person's life, which maintains public health and prevents diseases. Also, Bahrain 2030 vision improve health system by promoting and encouraging a healthy lifestyle by offering more attractive public spaces and modern facilities to boost sports activities. Finally, For future research academic institutions need to conduct researches about how sport can result outcomes beyond the playing field (Sanders et al. 2017;Camp 2020), what is the role of innovation in sport for development and peace to develop solutions for social challenges (Svensson and Cohen 2020). © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Effect of cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation in patients with exercise-induced oxyhemoglobin desaturation after hospital discharge from COVID-19: case series / Efeito da reabilitação cardiopulmonar e metabólica em pacientes que apresentaram dessaturação da oxihemoglobina induzida pelo exercício após alta hospitalar pela COVID-19: série de casos

INTRODUÇÃO: A dessaturação da oxihemoglobina induzida pelo exercício em pacientes pós-COVID-19 parece estar associada à redução da difusão e dos volumes pulmonares, à maior dispneia e baixa capacidade funcional, sendo relacionada à maior mortalidade e pior prognóstico. A reabilitação cardiopulmonar e metabólica (RCPM) é relevante, pois visa restaurar a funcionalidade, tolerância ao esforço e a qualidade de vida (QV). OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos da RCPM em pacientes que apresentaram dessaturação da oxihemoglobina induzida pelo exercício após alta hospitalar pela COVID-19 e ainda observar a diferença entre os treinamentos contínuo de moderada intensidade (TCMI) e o intervalado de alta intensidade (TIAI) na tolerância ao esforço, nos sintomas e na QV. MÉTODOS: Trata-se do relato de uma série de 4 casos que foram hospitalizados por COVID-19 e que após alta hospitalar apresentaram dessaturação da oxihemoglobina induzida pelo esforço durante o teste do degrau de 6 minutos (TD6). Os pacientes foram avaliados por meio de espirometria de repouso, mensuração da força da musculatura inspiratória, TD6, teste da caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6), teste de repetições máximas do quadríceps e bíceps braquial e responderam ao questionário SF-36 de QV. Submetidos a um protocolo de treinamento contendo treino da musculatura inspiratória e treino resistido para grandes grupos musculares, adicionalmente, 2 pacientes fizeram TCMI (com 60-80% da frequência cárdica de reserva (FCR)) e 2 TIAI (com 40% da FCR na fase off, durante 4 minutos e 80 a 100%, na fase on, durante 2 minutos) em esteira por 30 minutos e, por fim, após 3 meses foram reavaliados. RESULTADOS: Observouse aumento da tolerância ao esforço, da força muscular inspiratória e periférica, além da melhora da QV e redução dos sintomas em todos os pacientes após a RCPM, porém houve incrementos maiores nos pacientes submetidos ao TIAI comparados ao TCMI na distância percorrida em metros (caso 1- 156 (23% de incremento); caso 3 - 168 (40%)) versus (caso 2 e 4 - 60 metros, com incrementos de 9% e 14%, respectivamente) e maior número de degraus (caso 1- 28 (23% de aumento); caso 3- 37 (34%)) versus (caso 2 ­ 2 (2% incremento); caso 4 - 15 (21%)). CONCLUSÃO: A RCPM apresentou efeitos positivos, com incremento da capacidade funcional e melhora da QV, além da redução dos sintomas durante o esforço, particularmente nos pacientes submetidos ao TIAI.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise-induced oxyhemoglobin desaturation in post-COVID-19 patients appears to be associated with reduced diffusion and lung volumes, greater dyspnea and low functional capacity, being related to higher mortality and worse prognosis. Cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation (CPMR) is relevant, as it aims to restore functionality, exercise tolerance and quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of CPMR in patients who presented exercise-induced oxyhemoglobin desaturation after hospital discharge due to COVID-19 and also to observe the difference between moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on effort tolerance, symptoms and QoL. METHODS: This is the report of a series of 4 cases who were hospitalized for COVID-19 and who, after hospital discharge, presented exertion-induced oxyhemoglobin desaturation during the 6-minute step test (6MST). Patients were assessed using spirometry at rest, measurement of inspiratory muscle strength, 6MST, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), quadriceps and biceps brachii maximum repetitions test, and answered the SF-36 QoL questionnaire. Submitted to a training protocol containing training of the inspiratory muscles and resistance training for large muscle groups, additionally, 2 patients underwent CMIT (with 60-80% of heart rate reserve) and 2 HIIT (with 40% of HR reserve in the off, for 4 minutes and 80 to 100%, in the on phase, for 2 minutes) on a treadmill for 30 minutes, finally, after 3 months, they were reassessed. RESULTS: There was an increase in effort tolerance, inspiratory and peripheral muscle strength, in addition to an improvement in QoL and a reduction in symptoms in all patients after CPMR, but there were greater increments in patients submitted to HIIT compared to CMIT in the distance covered in meters (case 1 - 156 (23% increment); case 3 - 168 (40%)) versus (case 2 and 4 - 60 meters, with increments of 9% and 14%, respectively) and greater number of steps (case 1 - 28 (23% increase); case 3- 37 (34%)) versus (case 2 ­ 2 (2% increment); case 4 - 15 (21%)). CONCLUSION: CPMR had positive effects, with an increase in functional capacity and improvement in QoL, in addition to a reduction in symptoms during exertion, particularly in patients undergoing HIIT.

Physical Activity, Boredom and Fear of COVID-19 Among Adolescents in Germany.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of physical activity (PA) as an intervention against anxiety disorders and depression is undeniable in clinical psychology. Therefore, the question arose whether these effects also occur when a fear stimulus, like the COVID-19 pandemic, affects otherwise healthy adolescents. Boredom is closely linked to symptoms of fear and anxiety, but the connection between PA, boredom and fear is partly unclear. METHODS: A cross-sectional online study was conducted that involved 122 students. Participants were 13-19 years old (M age = 15.83, SD = 1.73). The survey was available online from April 27th to May 3rd, 2020. At this time, schools in Germany had already been closed for 6 weeks. A self-report questionnaire was used to measure physical activity, boredom, and fear of COVID-19. A multiple linear regression model was conducted. RESULTS: The reported fear of COVID-19 significantly correlates with total PA, quantity of strenuous PA, and boredom. Furthermore, a significant regression equation was found. The variables boredom, PA, and age contribute significantly to predicting the fear of COVID-19 [R 2 = 0.127, F(3,118) = 6.876, p < 0.000], among adolescents. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that there is an association between PA, boredom and the quarantine experience of adolescents. Students who were physically more active, especially with strenuous intensity, did not feel bored and showed less fear of COVID-19.

How perceived risk influences college students' preventive behavior: Novel data of COVID-19 campus lockdown from Wuhan, China.

Following preventive behaviors is a key measure to protect people from infectious diseases. Protection motivation theory (PMT) suggests that perceived risk motivates individuals to take protective measures. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented stress to the public, and changes in perceived risk may be more pronounced among college students than among other groups due to the related campus lockdown. With 1,119 college students recruited as research subjects, a quantitative research was conducted in Wuhan, China, to deduce the relationship between the perceived risk and preventive behavior of college students, as well as between the mediation effect of individual affect and the moderating effect of physical exercise. The results showed that the preventive behavior of college students was significantly affected by perceived risk, and both positive affect and negative affect played a mediating role between perceived risk and preventive behavior. Specifically, positive affect aided the relationship between perceived risk and preventive behavior, negative affect was detrimental to their relationship, and the mediation effect of positive affect is significantly higher than that of negative affect. Furthermore, physical exercise played a moderating role in the mediation effects of positive affect and negative affect. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to strengthen Chinese college students' perceived risk and provide them with corresponding guidance. The importance of physical exercise should also be emphasized to help college students with low perceived risk reduce negative affect, increase positive affect, and promote their preventive behavior.

The Relationship between Psychological Stress and Emotional State in Chinese University Students during COVID-19: The Moderating Role of Physical Exercise.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between psychological stress and the emotional state of Chinese college students and the moderating effect of physical exercise. METHODS: Students in a university in Jiangsu Province were randomly selected for the survey, and questionnaires were administered using the Physical Activity Rating Scale, the Profile of Mood States, and the Chinese College Student Psychological Stress Scale. A total of 715 questionnaires were distributed, and 494 valid questionnaires were returned. Among the students, there were 208 (42.1%) males and 286 (57.9%) females, with a mean age of 19.27 years (SD = 1.06). RESULTS: We found a significant negative correlation between physical exercise and psychological stress (r = -0.637, p < 0.001); a significant negative correlation between physical exercise and emotional state (r = -0.032, p < 0.001); and a significant positive correlation between psychological stress and emotional state (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). Physical exercise negatively moderates the relationship between psychological stress and emotional state (B = -0.012, p < 0.01, ΔR2 = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Physical exercise is negatively correlated with both emotional state and psychological stress. Physical exercise can reduce the influence of psychological stress on emotional state and promote emotional health.

Does Physical Exercise Enhance the Immune Response after Vaccination? A Systematic Review for Clinical Indications of COVID-19 Vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Stimulating protective immunity with vaccines appears to be the most promising option for providing widespread moderate to high protection against COVID-19 in people over the age of 18. Regular exercise improves the immune response, transmitting possible benefits against virus infections. The aim of this review is to study the effects of physical activity on vaccine injections, helping to develop new recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the existing literature was undertaken using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The internal quality of the studies was assessed according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The outcomes analyzed were antibody titer, the level of lymphocytes CD4, CD8, InterLeukin 6 (IL6), leukocytes level, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for overall pain rating, arm and forearm circumferences and volume of oxygen (VO2) peak. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were selected for the analysis. The majority of studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT) (n = 8) and controlled trials (CT) (n = 6). According to PEDro, the 'fair' category (n = 7) was the most represented, followed by 'good' (n = 6) and 'excellent' (n = 1). Physical training showed a positive effect on antibody titers of the vaccine; yet, different variables seem to influence antibody titers: higher new vs. old antigen in the vaccine, higher in younger vs. older individuals, and higher in females vs. males. After exercise, when analyzing variables of direct response to the vaccine, such as the amount of CD4, IL-6 and leukocytes, higher levels were observed in the patients who performed physical exercise compared to the control group. In the same way, better results were observed in physiological variables such as VO2 and limb circumferences, or subjective variables such as pain, which showed better results than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The immune response (antibody titers) depends on age, gender and the intensity of physical activity: long-term protocols at moderate intensity are the most recommended. All of these aspects also have to be carefully considered for the COVID-19 vaccination.

Mechanisms of Physical Exercise Effects on Anxiety in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Analysis of the Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience and the Moderating Role of Media Exposure.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of physical exercise on anxiety in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, as well as the mediating role of psychological resilience and the moderating role of media exposure. An online questionnaire was used to survey older adults in Chengdu, Southwest China. A total of 451 older adults aged 60 years and older participated in the study (209 males and 242 females). The results suggest that physical exercise negatively influenced anxiety symptoms in older adults; psychological resilience mediated the effect of physical exercise on anxiety in older adults and negatively predicted it; furthermore, media exposure moderated the effects of physical exercise and psychological resilience on anxiety, and low levels of media exposure strengthened these effects. This study suggests that participation in physical exercise and reduced media exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown may have reduced anxiety in older adults.

Relationship between physical exercise and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): systematic review.

Background: The SARS-CoV virus is a precursor to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) and has caused millions of deaths worldwide. Although exercise can be a non-pharmacological means for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, the effects on COVID-19 patients are not yet completely clear. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical exercise and symptoms caused by COVID-19. Methods: The present systematic review was sent for evaluation and received the PROSPERO registration protocol-CRD42021257475. The search for studies related to health and physical exercise was carried out in the following databases; the "National Library in Medicine MEDLINE-Ovid", "Embase", "Web of Science", "SportDiscus-Ebsco", and "Scopus". Results: Ten articles were included in the systematic review and the findings demonstrated the protective effects of physical exercise in patients with COVID-19. These effects were observed both in symptoms and in the period of hospitalization. In addition, the results show that the benefits of physical exercise seem to collaborate both in an individual manner and as an alternative to drug therapy. Finally, it was possible to verify the effect of physical exercise on variables, such as quality of life, cardiorespiratory capacity, and immunological biomarkers, and on the symptoms of the new Coronavirus. Conclusions: It is possible to conclude that physical exercise can be a component for the treatment of COVID-19. In addition, it could help to reduce the symptoms and severity of COVID-19, and may be considered as an adjunct to drug therapy in patients contaminated with SARS-CoV-2.