Physical Exercise as a Resilience Factor to Mitigate COVID-Related Allostatic Overload

Abstract

Introduction: The long-lasting threat of COVID-19 makes it necessary to explore strategies to improve coping skills which enable us to master a balanced life in the face of adversity. Objective: To unravel the most challenging aspects of COVID-19 in a nonclinical adult population and identify predictors of lost balance and consequent allostatic overload (AO). We examined the role of regular, moderate-intensity formula aerobic exercise (312 meridian exercise) in preventing allostatic overload through increasing well-being. Methods: An online survey was conducted to measure CO­VID-related allostatic overload according to clinimetric criteria. The Psychosocial Index (PSI), Kellner’s Symptom Questionnaire (KSQ), short Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Public Health Surveillance Well-Being Scale ­(PHS-WB), and Whiteley-7 were used to explore mental health characteristics. Univariate statistics logistic regression analysis and a general linear model were used. Results: According to 442 valid answers, 217 adults practiced physical exercise (PE) frequently (fPE, 3–5 times/every day) while 120 did it less regularly (1–2 times/week), and 105 did not exercise/practiced irregularly (controls). Restriction-related stressors were most challenging, resulting in AO in 29% (n = 128) of the sample. The main predictors were additional stressors (p = 0.005) and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001). The prevalence of AO was lower (p = 0.018) in the fPE group when compared to controls. KSQ distress symptoms were also lower in fPE (p < 0.0001), while total well-being was increased (p < 0.001) after adjusting for sex, age, and number of chronic diseases. According to the PHS-WB, both physical and mental well-being were higher (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively) in fPE. Conclusions: Frequent moderate exercise is associated with better mental and physical well-being and a lower prevalence of AO.

To prevent being stressed-out: Allostatic overload and resilience of general practitioners in the era of COVID-19. A cross-sectional observational study

“…However, the well-being of British general practitioners was comparable to the local population, and GPs above 55 years showed higher hope and optimism than their younger counterparts [ 31 ]. Our sample showed comparable levels of mental and social well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic to a community sample [ 21 ]; however, anxiety and hostility scored higher, probably referring to the high level of additional professional stress load. Most of the GPs ensured time regularly for recreation.…”

“…We applied these tools – in accordance with previous research [ 20 , 21 ] – to measure COVID-related allostatic overload ( Table 1 ). Besides measuring individual stressors, our primary focus was on COVID-related allostatic overload.…”

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome and the Potential Benefits of Exercise

“…Indeed, exercise has proven its effectiveness in dysautonomia and POTS, quite frequent among people with post-COVID-19 syndrome, by restoring upright hemodynamics, normalizing renal-adrenal responsiveness, and improving quality of life [ 122 , 123 ]. In addition, recent cross-section studies support the need of regular moderate exercise as a resilience factor to reduce COVID-related allostatic overload by improving mental and physical well-being [ 124 ].…”

Aerobic Exercise Alleviates the Impairment of Cognitive Control Ability Induced by Sleep Deprivation in College Students: Research Based on Go/NoGo Task

“…Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to counteract the effects of sleep deprivation and to improve cognitive performance during sleep deprivation. Physical exercise involves the stretching of bones by muscles and the consumption of energy, and is a planned and repetitive physical activity designed to promote health, and improve motor skills (Eöry et al, 2021 ). Studies have shown that physical exercise is an important means to ensure physical and mental health, which can reduce the incidence of physical diseases (such as cardiovascular disease and obesity, etc.)…”