Keep moving: overcoming physical, mental and pandemic challenges to stay active

ABSTRACT

Correspondence to Dr Sharief Hendricks, Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa;sharief.hendricks01@gmail.com There is little argument against the benefits of physical activity for most cohorts healthy individuals, patients with non-communicable disease and auto-immune conditions, and patients with cancer - all experience improved health outcomes from regular physical activity. While a large body of evidence exists on running-related injury risk factors, little is known about risk factors specific to trail running.1 To address this gap, young South African clinician researcher Carel Viljoen and his team conducted a living systematic review on trail running and injury risk (see page 577) . Physical activity, exercise and COVID-19 Across the globe, athletes have reported a decrease in physical activity since COVID-19.2 3 However, regular physical activity may have a protective effect against adverse outcomes from COVID-19.