Role of increasing the aerobic capacity on improving the function of immune and respiratory systems in patients with coronavirus (COVID-19): A review

Abstract

Background and aims: COVID-19 is a public world crisis, however, it is a self-limited infection. In COVID-19, the strength of immune and respiratory systems is a critical element. Thus, this review was conducted to demonstrate the short and long term effects of increasing the aerobic capacity on increasing the function and strength of immune and respiratory systems, particularly those essential for overcoming COVID-19 infections and associated disorders. Methods: This review was carried out by searching in Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, Medline databases. The search was conducted over clinical trials and literature and systematic reviews on the effects of increasing the aerobic capacity on the function and strength of specific immune and respiratory elements essential for overcoming COVID-19 infections. Results: This review found that increasing the aerobic capacity could produce short-term safe improvements in the function of immune and respiratory systems, particularly those specific for COVID-19 infections. This could be mainly produced through three mechanisms. Firstly, it could improve immunity by increasing the level and function of immune cells and immunoglobulins, regulating CRP levels, and decreasing anxiety and depression. Secondly, it could improve respiratory system functions by acting as an antibiotic, antioxidant, and antimycotic, restoring normal lung tissue elasticity and strength. Lastly, it could act as a protective barrier to decrease COVID-19 risk factors, which helps to decrease the incidence and progression of COVID-19. Conclusion: This review summarizes that increasing the aerobic capacity is recommended because it has potential of improving immune and respiratory functions which would help counter COVID-19.

<p>Examining Anxiety, Life Satisfaction, General Health, Stress and Coping Styles During COVID-19 Pandemic in Polish Sample of University Students</p>

“…Total scores range from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating a higher level of life satisfaction. The ranges of scores may be interpreted as Extremely dissatisfied (5-9), Dissatisfied (10)(11)(12)(13)(14), Slightly dissatisfied (15)(16)(17)(18)(19), Neutral 20, Slightly satisfied (21)(22)(23)(24)(25), Satisfied (26)(27)(28)(29)(30), and Extremely satisfied (31)(32)(33)(34)(35). The Cronbach's α for the SWLS in the present sample is 0.84.…”

“…11,13 Consistent with most of the previous research, that physical activity improves mental health, we expect that students of physical education faculty will report better indices of wellbeing than their peers from engineering faculty. [14][15][16][17] 3) As shown previously, we assume that the worst health status perceived during coronavirus pandemic is related to higher anxiety and stress, lower life satisfaction, and rare use coping styles. 5-9, 13, 20-23 4) Finally, we hypothesize that heightened anxiety is associated positively with female gender, engineering faculty, perceived stress, and emotional coping style, while negatively with good health, satisfaction with life, and task-oriented coping.…”

“…13 Research indicates that physical activity brings many health benefits such as improving cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency, the immune system by increasing the body's resistance to illness, a musculoskeletal system with body posture, and also the nervous system by supporting intellectual performance, reducing nervous tension as well as depressive and anxiety states, improving sleep quality and wellbeing. [14][15][16][17] In the current lifestyle, physical fitness is treated as a means to achieve a better quality of life. Mohamed and Alawna 16 showed that the aerobic capacity related to maintaining moderate to high levels of physical activity might prevent coronavirus disease and its severity.…”

“…[14][15][16][17] In the current lifestyle, physical fitness is treated as a means to achieve a better quality of life. Mohamed and Alawna 16 showed that the aerobic capacity related to maintaining moderate to high levels of physical activity might prevent coronavirus disease and its severity. World Health Organization (WHO) prepared the campaign "Be Active during COVID-19", with recommendations about the weekly level of physical activity that can be achieved with limited space at home, and without any special equipment.…”

Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Stress in individuals with infectious history of COVID-19: Mediating Effect of purpose in life

“…The mental health of patients in onset and convalescence may affect treatment response, convalescent effect and the incidence rate of long-term mental disorders. Effects of mental problem on COVID-19 maybe in two approaches: Firstly, distress, depression and stress correlated directly with function of immune system, thus affecting the onset, treatment response and prognosis of respiratory diseases [7,8] ; secondly, depression and anxiety lead to social withdrawal, lack of mental & physical vitality, diminished capacity for will and movement in patients with COVID-19 [9] , which may have a serious effect on their rehabilitation in psychosomatic function. A study have indicated that some personality variables, including purpose in life, were protective factors of individuals' mental health and enable them to respond to di culties in life with a positive attitude and stress-coping strategies [10] .…”