Physical activity can change the physiological and psychological circumstances during COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review

Background: With the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many studies’ attention to this world’s complexity increased dramatically. Different views on sports and physical activities have been presented, which have addressed the advantages and disadvantages of sports activities in this period differently. The purpose of this review was to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Using PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, and Web of Science electronic databases, this review summarizes the current knowledge of direct and indirect effects of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluating the advantages and drawbacks of specific exercise physiology conditions. All types of studies were assessed, including systematic reviews, case-studies, and clinical guidelines. The literature search identified 40 articles that discussed COVID-19, immune system, the relation between immune system and exercise or diet, and psychological impacts of physical activity.

Results: Forty articles review showed that the immune system depends on the type, frequency, intensity, and duration of the exercise.

Intense or prolonged exercise with short recovery periods can progressively weaken the immune system and increase the risk of COVID-19. One of the acute responses after moderate-intensity training is improved immune function and a decrease in inflammatory cytokines. Paying attention to dietary intakes of micro-and macronutrients in conjunction with exercise can strengthen the condition to fight against coronavirus. Exercise can also affect the psychological dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic, including depression, anxiety, and stress, which improve community mental health during the quarantine.

Conclusion: Setting appropriate physical activity based on individuals’ properties and proper diet plan may enhance the physiological and psychological body’s condition to fight against coronavirus.

Coronavirus is one of the greatest human threats [1]. In the last few months, the increase in cases and deaths due to COVID-19 in the world and the imposition of more social restrictions in most countries have caused many physiological and psychological disorders [1,2]. Recorded data from smartwatches show that the level of physical activity worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic decreased between 8% to 48% [3]. The elderly, obese, and sedentary individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 kg/m2 have been reported to be among the most vulnerable groups to the coronavirus [1]. According to a recently published study, patients with COVID-19 who are less than 60 years old and have a body mass index between 30 and 34 are 1.8 to 2 times more likely to be hospitalized than other people with a body mass index below 30 [4,5]. Also, lifestyle changes during this period and the stress caused by the disease can cause weight gain [6]. Although the exact mechanism for the increased risk of COVID-19 due to obesity is not clear, from the point of view of the respiratory system’s function, it can be introduced through the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) as a coronavirus receptor. Obesity can Increase ACE2 levels and consequently escalate the risk of infection [7]. The mechanism of the immune system in the face of the coronavirus is that the virus is first detected in the patient’s lungs and then attacked, which causes inflammation and eventually damage to the lung tissue. In the next stage, this injury disrupts the exchange of respiratory gases, which is more acute cases require serious medical intervention to save the patient’s life In general, exercise has been shown to improve immune system function. Muscles secrete compounds during and after exercise to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation [8]. Although no studies have been performed on physical activity in patients with COVID-19, many studies have shown that exercise has beneficial effects on the immune system, inflammation, and respiratory system [9]. The type, amount, and intensity of an exercise determine the desired impact on the body’s immune system and inflammation. Researches have shown that low to moderate-intensity exercise has far more significant effects on the immune system. Contrary, very intense and prolonged exercise, such as a Marathon, temporarily reduces the immune system, putting a person at risk for the disease [8]. Low- to moderate-intensity exercise can heighten the immune system by increasing glutamine and eventually regulating the function of macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and phagocytosis of some pathogens [10,11].

Studies showed that the presence of some underlying diseases could increase the risk of more severe COVID -19 disease in individuals [12]. But many studies have illustrated that regular exercise can prevent many diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, and cancers [13], which can be one of the advantages of exercise during the COVID -19 pandemic [8]. It has been reported, due to reduced physical activity of many segments of society, problems such as circadian rhythm disorders, energy intake, and reduced burned calories can increase the risk of infection and death due to this emerging disease [14].

The nutritional status of individuals has been considered as an indicator of resilience against diseases and destabilization. The ecology of adversity and resilience demonstrates that substantial stressors, such as inadequate nutrition, can lead to long-lasting effects linked to health [15]. When Ebola virus outbreak in Western Africa, researches showed that immediate supportive care significantly reduces case fatality rates. It may apply as well to the current COVID-19 pandemic [16]. It has been illustrated that an adequate diet can affect the immune system function through the activation of cells, modification in the production of signaling molecules, and gene expression [15]. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to become more aware of the physiological and psychological impacts of training and adequate diet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, and Web of science were searched to summarize the current knowledge of direct and indirect physiological and psychological effects of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. A combination of the keywords “COVID-19,” “physical activity,” “training,” “psychology,” and “physiology” were investigated in the electronic databases. The literature search identified 40 articles in which nine articles considered COVID-19, fourteen articles investigated the immune system, nine articles evaluate effects of physical activities or diet on immune system function, and eight articles considered the relation between physical activity and psychological dimensions. 

There were some limitations about coronavirus and its interaction with physical activities. Up to now, no study has illustrated the straight effects of physical activity on patients with COVID-19. In general, all researches have considered the influences of physical activity on reducing the risks of COVID-19 [1,17-20]. Studies, before the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, had examined the relationship between exercising and the immune system function [21,22]. Moreover, it can be expanded to the effects of exercise on psychological dimensions, including anxiety, depression, and stress. As the same, no study has been found that had investigated the psychological effects of physical activity on confirmed or survived patients with COVID-19. Several studies have reported only socio-demographic about patients with COVID-19 that no intervention was executed, which causes exclusion from the present study [23]. In the following, some outcomes of physical activity on the physiological and psychological dimensions have been discussed.

Physiological effects of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic

In general, metabolic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and liver and kidney diseases increase the risk of COVID-19. But exercising can pave the way to lose weight, improve respiratory system function, regulate hormone homeostasis, and reduce inflammation [1,24]. Age, underlying medical condition, and obesity have been common among people infected with or killed by COVID-19 [4]. Researches have illustrated that regular exercise in the elderly can heighten the immune system. However, some exercise protocols are not possible due to joint and muscle injuries in the elderly. Many studies have examined the acute effects of an exercise bout on the immune system of the elderly, and the results showed that even one session could improve immune response [25]. However, studies on athletes and their immune system responses in short-term and long-term training demonstrated that the immune system is enhanced by regular exercise, suggesting that athletes may be more resistant to the coronavirus than others[17]. On the other hand, little information is available on the long-term effects of training on the immune system of the elderly [26]. Obese people are also more susceptible to COVID-19 due to the presence of the ACE2 enzyme. ACE2 is one of the receptors for the coronavirus [1, 27]; therefore, increasing the calories burned during exercise can lead to weight loss and thus reduce the risk of COVID-19. Physical activity triggers muscle and liver glycogen breakdown, which prepares the breakdown of fat in adipose and muscle tissue and ultimately causes weight loss [28]. Previous studies have explained that exercise, regardless of its type, significantly reduces fat mass in obese people [29]. Studies have shown that respiratory and cardiovascular fitness is inversely related to obesity; hence, healthier respiratory and cardiovascular fitness in the normal weight range might be a powerful defensive tool to fight against coronavirus [1,27]. Exercise can improve the function of the respiratory system by raising the supply of oxygen and the uptake of oxygen by the muscles. In a study conducted by Church, et al. [30] on men between the ages of 45 and 75, they found that their oxygen consumption increased significantly after six months of regular aerobic exercise, indicating an improvement in the respiratory system. In another study, Church, et al. [31] reported that the respiratory function of women and men with inadequate respiratory systems has significantly increased with the implementation of endurance or resistance exercises.

According to clinical reports, Cytokines such as Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-7 (IL-7), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor (G-CSF), Interferon-gamma Inducible Protein (IP-10), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP-1), Macrophage Inflammatory Protein (MIP1A), and Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFα) are increased in patients with COVID-19. Activation and spread of these cytokines lead to inflammation and endothelial dysfunction; eventually, these factors will cause problems for the body’s arteries [3,32].

Likewise, lifestyle has been modified due to quarantine [1]. Insufficient physical activity develops the incidence of venous thromboembolism, which leads to consequences, such as cardiovascular problems and, in some cases, death [3]. Researchers have announced an increase in venous thromboembolism in confirmed COVID-19 patients can progress mortality [33]. Thus, it has been recommended that regular physical activity strengthens the immune system and improves the homeostasis conditions [1,3].

Type, frequency, volume, and intensity of exercise

Several factors identify an Exercise. Type, frequency, volume, and intensity are the remarkable variables that must be considered when individuals want to set their goals. These targets varied from case to case, including losing fat, building muscle, or enhancing performance [1,34,35]. Based on the American Sports Medicine Association (ACSM) guidelines, performing at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is necessary to maintain public health [36]. According to a guide published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, individuals should have five sessions per week for 30 to 60 minutes of regular moderate to high-intensity exercise [1]. According to the ACSM Guidelines on aerobic exercise, people who want to lose weight should spend more time per week on regular exercise. The ACSM has published standards on physical activity and its effects on weight loss in adults, as shown in table 1 [34].

Research has shown that even one exercise bout can provide the desired response to improve immune system function. Still, regular exercise more than once can have far more significant benefits for individuals [19]. According to previous research, only strenuous, prolonged activities reduce the immune system and increases the risk of infection, which during the COVID-19 pandemic can increase the risk of COVID-19 [19,22]. Many researchers have modeled these relationships with the letters J and S curves (Figure 1) [37].

Some researchers have also used the term “open window” after strenuous exercise. When the intensity, duration, and frequency of strenuous activities increase without a proper recovery period, the immune system will respond to viruses and infections for three to 72 hours that can expose an individual to COVID-19 (Figure 2) [18,38].

Resistance and High-intensity interval training (HIIT), such as CrossFit [35], must be performed at a certain intensity, frequency, and volume. Resistance training and HIIT usually involve periods of effort from a few seconds to a few minutes [39]. Notably, resistance training and HIIT are not directly recommended for weight loss, and it is suggested that diet and aerobic exercise should be utilized for weight loss [1]. Intensity, volume, and frequency of resistance workout or HIIT have to be adjusted according to the individual’s readiness level to prevent any infection, inflammation, and ultimately reduced immune function during the COVID-19 pandemic [19,22,37].

Diet

It is recommended to use macro-and micronutrients in an adequate amount and in proportion to exercise duration and intensity to maintain the immune system following exercise. However, some reports suggested that many athletes use unhealthy diets high in sugar and fat due to restrictions and quarantine, impairing immune function. Studies have indicated that fasting can reduce some inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, reactive protein C (CRP), and IL-6 [20]. Based on the previous studies, the essential notion of the association between dietary components, nutrition, inflammation, and oxidative stress is well-regarded. It has been emphasized, for example, in the development of the anti-inflammatory dietary index [40]. Hence, paying attention to the micro-and macronutrients plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of catching COVID-19. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidants ingredients, for instance, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, can be found in plant-based foods [6,40]. Low protein intake can elevate the risk of infection, and for athletes, it can trigger inappropriate consequences including, performance reduction and losing muscle mass [15,41]. Moreover, consumed calories must be adjusted according to intensity, volume, and frequency of exercise and physiological conditions to increase the immune system›s optimal function and reduce the open window›s time to some extent [20,21].

Among micronutrients, Vitamin D is highly recommended as an essential nutrient that enters the body through the sun’s ultraviolet rays or some food sources such as fish and grains, egg yolks, and dried mushrooms [42]. An adequate supply of zinc, selenium, and vitamin D has been suggested as the essential part for resistance to other viral infections, immune function, and reduced inflammation [43]. Experts have reported a significant correlation between vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of acute respiratory infections, especially in patients with COVID-19 [20]. In general, vitamin D inhibits the production of IL-1 and TNFα by monocytes; hence, vitamin D may play an essential role in reducing the risk of COVID-19. 10,000 IU of vitamin D per day for several consecutive weeks is reported as an effective dose [44]. Although many studies investigated vitamin D worldwide, only a few studies have measured this vitamin intake in athletes. Researches demonstrated that athletes in different regions have different levels of vitamin D and factors, such as training seasons (summer or winter), training hours, geographical location, training environment (indoors or outdoors), and use of skin protection [42]. Therefore, due to the restrictions and quarantine and the absence of people in the outdoor environment and not facing sunlight, the use of a diet rich in vitamin D can raise immune system function [20].

Psychological effects of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic

Severe restrictions and quarantine in some countries due to coronavirus outbreaks have led to an escalation in mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Although some may find quarantine discriminatory and offensive, quarantine is used as a practical solution in communities to control coronavirus spread [45]. Previous researches have shown that the widespread prevalence of infectious and epidemic diseases is associated with an increased majority of psychological difficulties. Results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has been one factor responsible for psychological distress in different population segments [46]. Moreover, the pandemic has caused the occurrence of sleep disorders. Therefore, it is reasonable to speculate that psychological conditions may be compromised during the COVID-19 outbreak, not only in the population directly affected by the virus but also in the general population [47].

Many studies have emphasized that regular exercise can alter the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression [47-49]. Anxiety and depression, despite psychological effects, may cause a tendency to passivity and withdrawal, which has unpleasant consequences related to physiological markers during the pandemic [1,48]. Randomized controlled studies have confirmed that exercise is associated with an anti-depressant effect [48]. A meta-analysis reported, using the Hamilton rating scale for depression, regular exercise, and physical activity can treat individuals who were diagnosed with clinical depression or among those who do not respond to medication [50]. A study demonstrated that three weeks of a full-body workout, 45 min each session, by women with mild to moderate clinical depression could improve their mental health status [51]. Moreover, the idea that exercise can only change individuals’ condition with depression is unreliable because results showed that regular exercise and physical activity might reduce depression and anxiety in non-clinical populations [48,50].

According to preceding studies, nearly one-half of people diagnosed with depression will also experience comorbid anxiety. Anxiety contributes to emotional changes, sleep disorders, and poor concentration [2,23,47]. One study found that people who did not have access to gyms during the COVID-19 pandemic could reduce their anxiety using a combination of exercise and digital games. This game diminished the level of anxiety in healthy people for 20 minutes with moderate intensity. By performing it for 60 minutes two days per week for a total of eight weeks, it was able to reduce the level of anxiety in patients [2,48].

Researchers have illustrated that regular physical activity by positively regulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, the main center of learning and memory, increases cognitive function and increases mice’s ability to cope with depression and anxiety [2,52]. This mechanism may be defined by the accumulation of an endogenous molecule, D-β-hydroxybutyrate (DBHB), in the hippocampus, which can be elevated after long-term exercise and cross the blood brain barriers and improve the expression of BDNF [2].

Numerous studies have used aerobic training to examine the effect of exercise on psychological aspects. However, it has been shown that resistance exercise, or HIIT, effectively reduces psychological disorders. The intensity and type of physical activity recommended by the ACSM for weight loss and WHO for health are also advised to improve life quality, manage stress, and reduce depression and anxiety [49]. There is evidence that even low amounts (frequency, duration, and intensity) of physical activity protect against depression [50].