Is Exercise the Best Medicine during a COVID-19 Pandemic? Comment on Constandt, B.; Thibaut, E.; De Bosscher, V.; Scheerder, J.; Ricour, M.; Willem, A. Exercising in Times of Lockdown: An Analysis of the Impact of COVID-19 on Levels and Patterns of Exercise among Adults in Belgium. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 4144.

Tamara Hew-Butler,Phillip Levy,Matthew Van Sumeren,Valerie Smith-Hale,Jordan Sabourin

doi:10.3390/ijerph17165730

Tamara Hew-Butler, Phillip Levy + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165730

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Abstract

From Constandt et al.’s survey of 13,515 Belgium respondents, regular physical activity can be successfully initiated and sustained during a lockdown, with appropriate social distancing measures. Documentation that 77% of highly active people and 58% of low active people exercised as much or more following the institution of a nationwide lockdown was impressive, given that the cases of COVID-19 were accelerating at that time. The Belgian government’s central promotion of exercise, to boost both the mental and physical health of the population, likely contributed to the health, tolerance, and ultimate success of lockdown. In this commentary, we wish to pose a follow-up query which highlights the potential detrimental effects of intense exercise (competition) performed without social distancing measures. The proposed graphical abstract elucidates these possible risks, in contrast to the favorable results outlined in Constandt et al.’s study.

Highlights

The health benefits of regular physical activity are widely recognized [1]
Pathogenic exposure to high viral loads during vigorous exercise is supported by the subsequent transmission of COVID-19 from one dance instructor to 112 individuals, following a 4-h vigorous dance session including 27 other instructors [5]
Vigorous training and competition, especially within close quarters, should proceed with caution, due to the enhanced exposure risks associated with the following factors: increased person-to-person and surface contact, increased respiration rates from high intensity exercise, and decreased immune function associated with maximal training efforts

Summary

Introduction

The health benefits of regular physical activity are widely recognized [1]. the public health and safety concerns of exercising during a pandemic remain unclear [2,3]. The health benefits of regular physical activity are widely recognized [1]. The public health and safety concerns of exercising during a pandemic remain unclear [2,3].

Results

Conclusion