As the list of unusual symptoms linked to COVID-19 continues to expand, scientists have mounting evidence that COVID-19 disease is more than a respiratory illness that primarily affects the lungs. In some cases, the vascular system and many other organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys can be damaged. In another study, the Indian Council of Medical Research found that 56% of COVID-19 patients died due to infections after recovery.

Such studies are greatly important to formulate a long-term recovery program to avoid any future health risks. The aspect of the recovery program that I’m looking into extensively is the exercise prescription to mitigate the long-term effects of COVID-19. In a recent research paper Resistance Training Safety during and after the SARS-Cov-2 Outbreak: Practical Recommendations, resistance training has been recommended as an essential part of a physical exercise program by several important associations. Its benefits, largely mediated by strength gains, culminate in reductions in mortality rates in different populations and expand to several areas such as blood pressure control, improved bone mineral density, depression management, cancer treatment, blood glucose management, and weight management, among others.

Scientific evidence of the benefits of exercise is clear— physically active individuals have a lower risk of mortality by comparison to physically inactive. Physical activity promotes health and longevity. Following physical activity guidelines is associated with a lower risk of death. Therefore it is certain that an efficient exercise prescription will mitigate the long-term effects of COVID-19, reduce the risk of infection and therefore reduce the risk of mortality that arise due to COVID-19.

I’m an immensely scientific individual; being scientific helps me a great deal, especially in the matters of health—acquiring scientific knowledge helps me to make the right decisions related to health. I have started using the scientific evidence to formulate an efficient, effective, and straightforward exercise program for myself, my family members, my friends, and others. My family members and I were recently tested positive for COVID-19. One of my family members critically labored the cytokine storm and COVID-19 pneumonia— treated with oxygen and pharmacotherapy, and also underwent Thoracostomy (Chest Tube Insertion Surgery) for pneumothorax. I was treated for COVID-19 pneumonia. Without getting into the weeds of our COVID-19 ordeal, I’d like to say, COVID-19 was life-threatening. Thanks to the Medical Doctors: Dr. Shashank Prabhudesai, Dr. Rahul Prabhudesai, Dr. Sawani Hegde Surlakar, and Dr. Gaurish Surlakar, we are recovering well. 

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts of the healthcare workforce involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and, of course, modern medicine, and every scientist involved in developing Covid-19 vaccines. Without modern medicine, the COVID-19 death toll would be far greater than anybody can imagine.

The association between exercise, the immune system, and the risk of illness seems to follow a J-shaped curve. Body defenses improve with moderate amounts of physical exercise and decrease with excessive or low amounts of exercise. Consequently, the risk of infection is higher in sedentary individuals and also in those engaged in high volume/intensity of physical exercises, such as endurance athletes. Discuss your exercise prescription with a Medical Doctor, preferably, experienced in exercise physiology and a fitness professional who has a vast knowledge of human physiology.

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy!

References

1. Resistance Training Safety during and after the SARS-Cov-2 Outbreak: Practical Recommendations.

2. COVID-19: Short and Long-Term Effects of Hospitalization on Muscular Weakness in the Elderly.

3. Support for Rehabilitation Self-Management after COVID-19- Related Illness: WHO.

4.Understanding COVID-19 as a Vascular Disease

5. Physical inactivity, excess adiposity, and premature mortality

6. Physical Activity Recommendations and Decreased Risk of Mortality