Alkalinization
Analgesics..
Antiandrogens..
Bromhexine
Budesonide
Cannabidiol
Colchicine
Conv. Plasma
Curcumin
Ensovibep
Famotidine
Favipiravir
Fluvoxamine
Hydroxychlor..
Iota-carragee..
Ivermectin
Lactoferrin
Lifestyle..
Melatonin
Metformin
Molnupiravir
Monoclonals..
Nigella Sativa
Nitazoxanide
Nitric Oxide
Paxlovid
Peg.. Lambda
Povidone-Iod..
Quercetin
Remdesivir
Vitamins..
Zinc

Other
Feedback
Home
Home   COVID-19 treatment studies for Exercise  COVID-19 treatment studies for Exercise  C19 studies: Exercise  Exercise   Select treatmentSelect treatmentTreatmentsTreatments
Alkalinization Meta Lactoferrin Meta
Melatonin Meta
Bromhexine Meta Metformin Meta
Budesonide Meta Molnupiravir Meta
Cannabidiol Meta
Colchicine Meta Nigella Sativa Meta
Conv. Plasma Meta Nitazoxanide Meta
Curcumin Meta Nitric Oxide Meta
Ensovibep Meta Paxlovid Meta
Famotidine Meta Peg.. Lambda Meta
Favipiravir Meta Povidone-Iod.. Meta
Fluvoxamine Meta Quercetin Meta
Hydroxychlor.. Meta Remdesivir Meta
Iota-carragee.. Meta
Ivermectin Meta Zinc Meta

Other Treatments Global Adoption
 
    
  
Exercise for COVID-19
55 studies from 495 scientists
1,791,863 patients in 23 countries
Statistically significant improvement for mortality, ventilation, ICU, hospitalization, progression, recovery, and cases.
41 studies from 41 teams in 20 countries show statistically significant improvements.
50% lower mortality in 17 studies CI [39-60%]
Most studies analyze exercise before infection.
COVID-19 Exercise studies. Jun 2023. c19early.org/ex
0 0.5 1 1.5+ All studies 41% With exclusions 40% Mortality 50% Hospitalization 36% Cases 22% Prophylaxis 41% Late 47% Favorsexercise Favorsinactivity
Exercise COVID-19 studies. Most studies analyze exercise/physical activity levels before infection, comparing regular/moderate exercise and lower/no exercise. Risk may increase with more extreme activity levels. Recent:
Carta
Cardoso
Nindenshuti
Massar
Wierenga
Longobardi
Sanchez.
Submit updates/corrections.
Jun 7
Covid Analysis (Preprint) (meta analysis) Exercise for COVID-19: real-time meta analysis of 55 studies
Statistically significant improvements are seen for mortality, ventilation, ICU admission, hospitalization, progression, recovery, and cases. 41 studies from 41 independent teams in 20 different countries show statistically significant ..
May 23
Nindenshuti et al., INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, doi:10.1177/00469580231175780 (Review) Changes in Diet, Physical Activity, Alcohol Consumption, and Tobacco Use in Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Systematic review showing 25 of 25 studies reported a decrease in physical activity and 13 of 13 studies reported an increase in sedentary behavior during the pandemic.
May 10
Longobardi et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, doi:10.1136/bjsports-2022-106681 Effects of a 16-week home-based exercise training programme on health-related quality of life, functional capacity, and persistent symptoms in survivors of severe/critical COVID-19: a randomised controlled trial
RCT 50 post-severe/critical COVID-19 patients in Brazil, showing improved health-related quality of life with an exercise program (3 times a week, ~60–80 minutes/session, for 16 weeks).
May 9
Cardoso et al., Medicina Clínica, doi:10.1016/j.medcli.2023.04.031 Patterns of physical activity and SARS-CoV-2 severe pneumonia: A case–control study
73% lower severe cases [p<0.0001]. Case control study with 307 severe COVID-19 ICU patients and 307 matched COVID-19 outpatients in Brazil, showing significantly higher risk of severe cases with low physical activity.
May 8
Wierenga et al., Heart & Lung, doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.05.002 Impact of risk for severe COVID-19 illness on physical activity during the pandemic
Analysis of 640 adults in the USA, showing that adults at high risk of severe COVID-19 were disproportionately more likely to be physically inactive and had lower activity levels during the early months of the pandemic.
May 5
Massar et al., Frontiers in Psychology, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1145893 Working-from-home persistently influences sleep and physical activity 2 years after the Covid-19 pandemic onset: a longitudinal sleep tracker and electronic diary-based study
Analysis of 225 adults in Singapore showing working from home associated with lower physical activity (as measured by step count) during August 2021 - January 2022.
Apr 25
Sanchez et al., Fisioterapia, doi:10.1016/j.ft.2023.04.003 Influence of Physical Exercise on the Severity of COVID-19
54% fewer symptomatic cases [p<0.0001]. Retrospective 29,875 university staff and students in Spain, 3,662 with data, showing lower risk of COVID-19 symptoms for people that exercise. Exercise more than 5 days/week was the most protective, and intense exercise was more effectiv..
Apr 12
Jääskeläinen et al., Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, doi:10.1177/14034948231163960 Poor health status before the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with unfavourable changes in health-related lifestyle
Analysis of 3,834 adults in Finland, showing that people with poor health status were more likely to have unfavorable lifestyle changes during the pandemic, including decreased vegetable consumption, decreased leisure-time physical activi..
Mar 27
Galluzzo et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, doi:10.3390/jcm12072517 Inadequate Physical Activity Is Associated with Worse Physical Function in a Sample of COVID-19 Survivors with Post-Acute Symptoms
Retrospective 1,846 post-acute COVID-19 patients in Italy, showing inadequate physical activity after recovering from COVID-19 associated with lower physical function.
Mar 23
ÓhAiseadha et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, doi:10.3390/ijerph20075223 (Review) Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) for Population Health and Health Inequalities
Review of studies on non-pharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19 showing negative impacts on mental health, physical activity, and obesity.
Mar 8
Zhang et al., Frontiers in Physiology, doi:10.3389/fphys.2023.1089637 The causal effect of physical activity intensity on COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, and severity: Evidence from a mendelian randomization study
Mendelian randomization study showing lower risk of COVID-19 severity, hospitalization, and cases with light physical activity, but no significant difference for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Authors note that they were unable t..
Feb 14
Park et al., Frontiers in Public Health, doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1072198 Pre-pandemic physical activity as a predictor of infection and mortality associated with COVID-19: Evidence from the National Health Insurance Service
26% lower mortality [p=0.08] and 7% fewer cases [p=0.02]. Retrospective 4,363 COVID-19 patients and 67,125 controls in South Korea, showing higher risk of mortality and cases with insufficient physical activity.
Feb 11
Liu et al., Preventive Medicine Reports, doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102130 (meta analysis) Baseline physical activity and the risk of severe illness and mortality from COVID-19: A dose–response meta-analysis
Meta analysis of 14 studies showing a negative dose-response relationship between the level of physical activity and COVID-19 severity and mortality.
Feb 6
Wang et al., JAMA Internal Medicine, doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.6555 Adherence to Healthy Lifestyle Prior to Infection and Risk of Post–COVID-19 Condition
11% lower PASC [p=0.2]. Prospective analysis of 32,249 women, showing lower risk of PASC with a healthy lifestyle, in a dose-dependent manner. Participants with 5 or 6 healthy lifestyle factors had significantly lower COVID-19 hospitalization and PASC. BMI and s..
Feb 2
Fernandez et al., Journal of Applied Physiology, doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00544.2022 Intrahospital supervised exercise training improves survival rate among hypertensive COVID-19 patients
47% lower mortality [p=0.02]. Retrospective 439 severe COVID-19 hospitalized patients with hypertension, 201 receiving a supervised exercise program, showing significantly lower mortality with exercise. Exercise included of aerobic, breathing, and musculoskeletal exer..
Dec 28
Kucharska et al., Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, doi:10.26444/aaem/156939 Diet and selected elements of lifestyle in the Polish population before and during the COVID-19 pandemic – a population study
Retrospective 964 people in Poland showing decreased physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dec 14
Young et al., American Journal of Preventive Medicine, doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2022.10.007 Associations of Physical Inactivity and COVID-19 Outcomes Among Subgroups
74% lower mortality [p<0.0001] and 48% lower hospitalization [p<0.0001]. Retrospective 194,191 COVID-19 patients in the USA, showing lower risk of hospitalization and mortality with physical activity, with a dose response relationship.
Dec 12
Kapusta et al., Journal of Infection and Public Health, doi:10.1016/j.jiph.2022.12.008 Do selected lifestyle parameters affect the severity and symptoms of COVID-19 among elderly patients? The retrospective evaluation of individuals from the STOP-COVID registry of the PoLoCOV study
71% lower severe cases [p=0.001]. Retrospective 568 convalescent COVID-19 patients in Poland, showing lower risk of severe cases with regular physical activity in the 3 months before COVID-19.
Nov 24
Khandker et al., Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, doi:10.3389/fresc.2022.1037649 Post-COVID-19 complications in home and hospital-based care: A study from Dhaka city, Bangladesh
Retrospective 925 COVID-19 patients in Bangladesh reporting that "physical activity and exposure to sunlight was positively associated with earlier recovery from COVID-19 both in home and hospital care". Details are not provided.
Nov 8
Sittichai et al., Frontiers in Physiology, doi:10.3389/fphys.2022.1030568 (meta analysis) Effects of physical activity on the severity of illness and mortality in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta analysis of 18 studies, showing significantly lower COVID-19 severity and mortality with physical activity.
Nov 7
Green et al., European Journal of General Practice, doi:10.1080/13814788.2022.2138855 A higher frequency of physical activity is associated with reduced rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection
42% fewer cases [p<0.0001]. Retrospective 113,075 people in Israel, showing lower risk of COVID-19 cases with physical activity and a dose dependent response.
Oct 31
Tison et al., The Lancet Global Health, doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(22)00361-8 Worldwide physical activity trends since COVID-19 onset
Analysis of 1.2 million global users showing a significant decline in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, which remained below the pre-pandemic baseline as of February 2022.
Oct 29
Pitanga et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, doi:10.3390/ijerph192114155 Leisure Time Physical Activity and SARS-CoV-2 Infection among ELSA-Brasil Participants
33% fewer cases [p=0.05]. Retrospective 4,476 participants in Brazil, showing lower risk of COVID-19 cases with a history of physical activity, statistically significant only for those following specific practices to protect against COVID-19.
Oct 24
Pływaczewska-Jakubowska et al., Frontiers in Medicine, doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.1036556 Lifestyle, course of COVID-19, and risk of Long-COVID in non-hospitalized patients
11% fewer moderate/severe cases [p=0.3] and 14% lower PASC [p=0.24]. Retrospective 1,847 COVID+ patients in Poland, showing no significant difference in moderate/severe cases with physical activity. Hospitalized patients were excluded.
Oct 24
Reis et al., American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, doi:10.1177/15598276221135541 The Association between Lifestyle Risk Factors and COVID-19 Hospitalization in a Healthcare Institution
41% lower hospitalization [p=0.18]. Retrospective 546 COVID+ patients in the USA, showing lower risk of hospitalization with higher frequency of strength training, without statistical significance.
Aug 22
Ezzatvar et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, doi:10.1136/bjsports-2022-105733 (meta analysis) Physical activity and risk of infection, severity and mortality of COVID-19: a systematic review and non-linear dose–response meta-analysis of data from 1 853 610 adults
43% lower mortality [p<0.0001], 34% lower severe cases [p<0.0001], 36% lower hospitalization [p<0.0001], and 11% fewer cases [p=0.0002]. Systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies, showing lower risk of cases, hospitalization, severe cases, and mortality with regular physical activity. A non-linear dose-response relationship was seen with benefits reducing above 500..
Jul 5
Tsuzuki et al., medRxiv, doi:10.1101/2022.07.01.22277144 (Preprint) Impact of dementia, living in a long-term care facility, and physical activity status on COVID-19 severity in older adults
56% lower severe cases [p<0.0001]. Retrospective 4,868 elderly COVID-19 patients in Japan, showing higher risk of severe cases with poor physical activity status.
Jun 23
Li et al., medRxiv, doi:10.1101/2022.06.22.22276789 (Preprint) Association of physical activity and the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization: a dose-response meta-analysis
40% lower hospitalization [p<0.0001]. Meta analysis of 17 studies, showing a dose-response relationship with higher levels of physical activity reducing risk of COVID-19 hospitalization.
Jun 11
Antunes et al., Sport Sciences for Health, doi:10.1007/s11332-022-00948-7 The influence of physical activity level on the length of stay in hospital in older men survivors of COVID-19
80% lower ICU admission [p=0.06], 40% improvement [p=0.48], and 43% shorter hospitalization [p=0.03]. Retrospective 39 hospitalized COVID-19 survivors >60 years old, showing shorter hospitalization for patients with active lifestyles before COVID-19 symptoms.
May 13
Chen et al., Journal of Translational Medicine, doi:10.1186/s12967-022-03407-6 Causal relationship between physical activity, leisure sedentary behaviors and COVID-19 risk: a Mendelian randomization study
UK Biobank Mendelian randomization study showing decreased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization with genetically predicted accelerometer-assessed physical activity, and increased risk with television watching.
Apr 29
Malisoux et al., BMJ Open, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057863 Associations between physical activity prior to infection and COVID-19 disease severity and symptoms: results from the prospective Predi-COVID cohort study
63% lower progression [p=0.05]. Retrospective 452 participants in Luxembourg, showing lower risk of moderate cases with higher physical activity.
Apr 17
Kontopoulou et al., Journal of Personalized Medicine, doi:10.3390/jpm12040645 Exercise Preferences and Benefits in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19
66% faster recovery [p<0.0001]. Retrospective 66 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Greece, showing significantly improved recovery with a history of exercise in unadjusted results. Exercise after hospitalization was also associated with lower levels of dyspnea one month..
Apr 13
Paul et al., medRxiv, doi:10.1101/2022.04.12.22273792 (Preprint) Health behaviours the month prior to COVID-19 infection and the development of self-reported long COVID and specific long COVID symptoms: A longitudinal analysis of 1,811 UK adults
38% lower PASC [p=0.16]. Retrospective 1,811 COVID-19 patients in the UK, showing lower risk of self-reported long COVID with 3+ hours of exercise per week in the month before infection, without statistical significance (p=0.16).
Apr 13
Rahmati et al., Reviews in Medical Virology, doi:10.1002/rmv.2349 (meta analysis) Baseline physical activity is associated with reduced mortality and disease outcomes in COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
53% lower mortality [p=0.001], 35% lower ICU admission [p=0.001], and 42% lower hospitalization [p=0.001]. Meta analysis of 12 physical activity and COVID-19 studies, showing lower mortality, ICU admission, and hospitalization with physical activity.
Mar 15
Carta et al., Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health, doi:10.2174/17450179-v18-e2112231 Exercise in Older Adults to Prevent Depressive Symptoms at the Time of Covid-19: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial with Follow-Up
82% improvement [p=0.009]. Exercise RCT with followup during COVID-19 lockdowns, showing lower risk of depression during lockdowns for the exercise group.
Mar 14
Salgado-Aranda et al., Infectious Diseases and Therapy, doi:10.1007/s40121-021-00418-6 Influence of Baseline Physical Activity as a Modifying Factor on COVID-19 Mortality: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
83% lower mortality [p=0.003]. Retrospective 520 COVID-19 patients in Spain, showing significantly lower mortality with a history of physical activity.
Mar 12
Beydoun et al., American Journal of Infection Control, doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2022.02.021 Socio-demographic, lifestyle and health characteristics as predictors of self-reported Covid-19 history among older adults: 2006-2020 Health and Retirement Study
43% fewer cases [p=0.05]. Retrospective 2,830 people in the USA, showing lower risk of COVID-19 with a history of moderate/vigorous exercise.
Feb 17
Almansour et al., Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, doi:10.2147/JMDH.S352753 The Influence of Physical Activity on COVID-19 Prevention Among Quarantined Individuals: A Case–Control Study
6% fewer cases [p=0.85]. Retrospective 142 patients in Saudi Arabia, showing no significant difference in cases with physical activity.
Feb 10
Gilley et al., JMIR Mental Health, doi:10.2196/34645 Risk Factors for COVID-19 in College Students Identified by Physical, Mental, and Social Health Reported During the Fall 2020 Semester: Observational Study Using the Roadmap App and Fitbit Wearable Sensors
42% more cases [p=0.55]. Retrospective survey of 1,997 college students in the USA, showing no significant difference in COVID-19 cases with exercise in unadjusted results.
Feb 9
Steenkamp et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, doi:10.1136/bjsports-2021-105159 Small steps, strong shield: directly measured, moderate physical activity in 65 361 adults is associated with significant protective effects from severe COVID-19 outcomes
42% lower mortality [p<0.0001], 45% lower ventilation [p<0.0001], 41% lower ICU admission [p<0.0001], and 34% lower hospitalization [p<0.0001]. Retrospective 65,361 COVID-19 patients in South Africa, showing significantly lower hospitalization, ICU admission, ventilation, and mortality with exercise.
Dec 31
2021
Rowlands et al., Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, doi:10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2021.08.011 Association Between Accelerometer-Assessed Physical Activity and Severity of COVID-19 in UK Biobank
UK Biobank retrospective showing lower risk of severe COVID-19 with higher moderate to vigorous physical activity. Results are only provided for physical activity as a continuous variable.
Dec 23
2021
Hamdan et al., Journal of International Medical Research, doi:10.1177/03000605211064405 Risk factors associated with hospitalization owing to COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in Palestine
16% lower hospitalization [p=0.53]. Retrospective 300 participants in Palestine, showing lower risk of hospitalization with physical activity, without statistical significance.
Nov 30
2021
Huang et al., Nature and Science of Sleep, doi:10.2147/NSS.S263488 Reduced Sleep in the Week Prior to Diagnosis of COVID-19 is Associated with the Severity of COVID-19
47% lower severe cases [p=0.18] and 66% fewer cases [p=0.004]. Retrospective 164 COVID-19 patients and 188 controls in China, showing lower risk of cases with regular exercise.
Nov 3
2021
Hamrouni et al., BMJ Open, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055003 Associations of obesity, physical activity level, inflammation and cardiometabolic health with COVID-19 mortality: a prospective analysis of the UK Biobank cohort
29% lower mortality [p=0.009]. Prospective UK Biobank analysis, showing a history of low physical activity associated with COVID-19 mortality.
Oct 30
2021
Saadeh et al., Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, doi:10.1007/s40520-021-02006-7 Associations of pre-pandemic levels of physical function and physical activity with COVID-19-like symptoms during the outbreak
9% fewer symptomatic cases [p=0.71]. Retrospective 904 patients in Sweden, showing higher risk of COVID-19-like symptoms with poor muscle strength. Risk was slightly higher for physical inactivity, without statistical significance.
Oct 23
2021
Lengelé et al., Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, doi:10.1007/s40520-021-01991-z Frailty but not sarcopenia nor malnutrition increases the risk of developing COVID-19 in older community-dwelling adults
74% fewer cases [p=0.03]. Analysis of 241 adults >65yo in Belgium, showing lower risk of COVID-19 with a history of physical activity.
Oct 19
2021
Ekblom-Bak et al., International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, doi:10.1186/s12966-021-01198-5 Cardiorespiratory fitness and lifestyle on severe COVID-19 risk in 279,455 adults: a case control study
48% lower severe cases [p=0.02]. Retrospective 857 severe COVID-19 cases and matched controls in Sweden, showing lower risk of severe COVID-19 with higher cardiorespiratory fitness.
Sep 30
2021
Cunningham, G., Journal of Sport and Health Science, doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2021.03.008 Physical activity and its relationship with COVID-19 cases and deaths: Analysis of U.S. counties
Analysis of US counties showing physical activity levels negatively associated with COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Sep 30
2021
Mohsin et al., Infection and Drug Resistance, doi:10.2147/IDR.S331470 Lifestyle and Comorbidity-Related Risk Factors of Severe and Critical COVID-19 Infection: A Comparative Study Among Survived COVID-19 Patients in Bangladesh
19% lower severe cases [p=0.04]. Retrospective 1,500 COVID+ patients in Bangladesh, showing lower risk of severe cases with regular exercise in unadjusted results.
Sep 30
2021
de Souza et al., Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2021.05.011 Association of physical activity levels and the prevalence of COVID-19-associated hospitalization
73% lower ventilation [p=0.07] and 34% lower hospitalization [p=0.05]. Retrospective survey of 938 COVID-19 recovered patients in Brazil, showing lower hospitalization with physical activity. NCT04396353.
Sep 22
2021
Ehsani et al., Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies, doi:10.5812/mejrh.114607 Evaluation of the Relationship Between Daily Physical Activity Level and Laboratory Factors and the Length of Hospitalization in Patients with COVID-19
61% faster recovery [p=0.0001]. Retrospective 71 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Iran, showing faster recovery with a history of moderate to high physical exercise. Exercise was assessed during the last seven days when patients may already have had COVID-19 symptoms. ..
Sep 21
2021
Lin et al., BMJ Open, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052025 Predictors of incident SARS-CoV-2 infections in an international prospective cohort study
47% fewer cases [p=0.4]. Prospective survey analysis of 28,575 people in 99 countries, showing a lower risk of COVID-19 with a exercise, without statistical significance.
Sep 18
2021
Nguyen et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu13093258 Single and Combinative Impacts of Healthy Eating Behavior and Physical Activity on COVID-19-like Symptoms among Outpatients: A Multi-Hospital and Health Center Survey
20% fewer symptomatic cases [p<0.0001]. Analysis of 3,947 participants in Vietnam, showing significantly lower risk of COVID-19-like symptoms with physical activity and with a healthy diet. The combination of being physically active and eating healthy reduced risk further compa..
Aug 31
2021
Ahmadi et al., Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2021.04.022 Lifestyle risk factors and infectious disease mortality, including COVID-19, among middle aged and older adults: Evidence from a community-based cohort study in the United Kingdom
30% lower mortality [p=0.005]. Retrospective 468,569 adults in the UK, showing no significant difference in COVID-19 mortality based on diet quality, however significantly lower mortality was seen with higher diet quality for pneumonia and infectious diseases.
Aug 23
2021
Baynouna AlKetbi et al., Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, doi:10.1007/s44197-021-00006-4 Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Severity in Abu Dhabi
98% lower mortality [p=0.05]. Retrospective 234 COVID-19 cases in the United Arab Emirates, showing lower risk of mortality with increased physical activity.
Aug 12
2021
Pinto et al., Journal of Sport and Health Science, doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2021.08.001 No independent associations between physical activity and clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19
30% lower mortality [p=0.27], 20% lower ventilation [p=0.21], and 10% lower ICU admission [p=0.46]. Prospective analysis of 209 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, showing no significant difference in COVID-19 outcomes with physical activity. Mortality, ventilation, and ICU results are only provided for activity as a continuous variable.
Aug 11
2021
Maltagliati et al., Journal of Sports Sciences, doi:10.1080/02640414.2021.1964721 Muscle strength explains the protective effect of physical activity against COVID-19 hospitalization among adults aged 50 years and older
52% lower hospitalization [p=0.02]. Retrospective 3,139 adults >50 in Europe, with 66 COVID-19 hospitalizations, showing lower risk of hospitalization with higher physical activity and with higher muscle strength. Note that model 2 includes muscle strength which is correlat..
Jul 22
2021
Lee et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, doi:10.1136/bjsports-2021-104203 Physical activity and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe COVID-19 illness and COVID-19 related mortality in South Korea: a nationwide cohort study
74% lower mortality [p=0.05], 58% lower severe cases [p=0.03], and 16% fewer cases [p=0.03]. Retrospective 212,768 adults in South Korea, showing lower risk of COVID-19 cases, severity, and mortality with physical activity. Notably, results for aerobic and muscle strengthening activities combined were much better than results for..
Jul 9
2021
Rabail et al., Food Science & Nutrition, doi:10.1002/fsn3.2458 Nutritional and lifestyle changes required for minimizing the recovery period in home quarantined COVID-19 patients of Punjab, Pakistan
Survey of 80 recovered COVID-19 patients in Pakistan, showing faster recovery with higher physical activity before infection.
Jul 5
2021
af Geijerstam et al., BMJ Open, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051316 Fitness, strength and severity of COVID-19: a prospective register study of 1 559 187 Swedish conscripts
50% lower mortality [p=0.005], 40% lower ICU admission [p=0.0003], and 27% lower hospitalization [p<0.0001]. Prospective study of 1,559,187 men in Sweden with cardiorespiratory fitness levels measured on military conscription, showing high cardiorespiratory fitness associated with lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization, ICU admission, and death.
Jul 5
2021
Buckley et al., European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwaa135 Exercise rehabilitation associates with lower mortality and hospitalisation in cardiovascular disease patients with COVID-19
76% lower mortality [p<0.0001] and 51% lower hospitalization [p<0.0001]. PSM retrospective 643 COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing exercise rehabilitation within 3 months of diagnosis, showing significantly lower re-hospitalization and mortality with exercise rehabilitation.
Jul 4
2021
Bielik et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, doi:10.3390/ijerph18137158 A Possible Preventive Role of Physically Active Lifestyle during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic; Might Regular Cold-Water Swimming and Exercise Reduce the Symptom Severity of COVID-19?
30% fewer moderate/severe cases [p=0.1] and 9% more cases [p=0.36]. Retrospective 1,544 participants in Slovakia, showing a lower risk of more severe COVID-19 for physically active participants, without statistical significance.
Jul 1
2021
Brandenburg et al., Journal of Physical Activity and Health, doi:10.1123/jpah.2020-0817 Does Higher Self-Reported Cardiorespiratory Fitness Reduce the Odds of Hospitalization From COVID-19?
6% higher hospitalization [p=0.6] and 35% lower severe cases [p=0.3]. Retrospective 263 COVID+ patients, showing lower hospitalization with higher self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness, but no significant differences for physical activity. Participants in the study were healthier and more fit than the gen..
Jun 20
2021
Yuan et al., Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease, doi:10.1177/17534666211025221 Does pre-existent physical inactivity have a role in the severity of COVID-19?
91% lower mortality [p=0.09] and 70% lower severe cases [p=0.03]. Retrospective 164 COVID-19 patients in China, showing physical inactivity associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19.
Jun 17
2021
Marcus et al., PLOS ONE, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0253120 Predictors of incident viral symptoms ascertained in the era of COVID-19
42% fewer symptomatic cases [p<0.0001]. Prospective survey based study with 14,335 participants, showing lower risk of viral symptoms with regular exercise.
Jun 15
2021
Latorre-Román et al., Research in Sports Medicine, doi:10.1080/15438627.2021.1937166 Protective role of physical activity patterns prior to COVID-19 confinement with the severity/duration of respiratory pathologies consistent with COVID-19 symptoms in Spanish populations
76% lower hospitalization [p=0.05]. Retrospective 420 people in Spain, showing lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization with a history of physical activity.
May 5
2021
Christensen et al., PLOS ONE, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0250508 The association of estimated cardiorespiratory fitness with COVID-19 incidence and mortality: A cohort study
63% lower mortality [p=0.02] and 23% fewer cases [p=0.2]. Prospective study of 2,690 adults in the UK Biobank showing lower cardiorespiritory fitness associated with COVID-19 mortality.
Apr 13
2021
Sallis et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, doi:10.1136/bjsports-2021-104080 Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes: a study in 48 440 adult patients
59% lower mortality [p=0.005], 42% lower ICU admission [p=0.006], and 53% lower hospitalization [p<0.0001]. Retrospective 48,440 COVID-19 patients in the USA, showing significantly lower mortality, ICU admission, and hospitalization with exercise.
Apr 6
2021
Cho et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, doi:10.3390/jcm10071539 Physical Activity and the Risk of COVID-19 Infection and Mortality: A Nationwide Population-Based Case-Control Study
53% lower mortality [p=0.01] and 10% fewer cases [p<0.0001]. Retrospective 6,288 COVID+ patients and 125,772 matched controls in South Korea, showing significantly lower risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality with higher physical activity.
Mar 30
2021
Holt et al., Thorax, doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-217487 Risk factors for developing COVID-19: a population-based longitudinal study (COVIDENCE UK)
17% fewer cases [p=0.18]. Prospective survey-based study with 15,227 people in the UK, showing reduced risk of COVID-19 cases with lower impact physical activity. NCT04330599. COVIDENCE UK.
Feb 26
2021
Yates et al., International Journal of Obesity, doi:10.1038/s41366-021-00771-z Obesity, walking pace and risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality: analysis of UK Biobank
45% lower mortality [p=0.001] and 47% lower severe cases [p<0.0001]. UK Biobank retrospective 412,596 people, showing severe COVID-19 and COVID-19 mortality inversely associated with self-reported walking pace.
Feb 4
2021
Tavakol et al., Journal of Public Health, doi:10.1007/s10389-020-01468-9 Relationship between physical activity, healthy lifestyle and COVID-19 disease severity; a cross-sectional study
69% lower severe cases [p=0.05]. Retrospective 206 patients in Iran, showing COVID-19 disease severity associated with lower physical activity.
Feb 3
2021
Li et al., BMC Medical Genomics, doi:10.1186/s12920-021-00887-1 Modifiable lifestyle factors and severe COVID-19 risk: a Mendelian randomisation study
81% lower severe cases [p=0.02] and 56% lower hospitalization [p=0.07]. Mendelian randomization study showing lower risk of severe COVID-19 with physical activity.
Dec 6
2020
Zhang et al., J. Glob. Health, doi:10.7189/jogh-10-020514 Physical activity and COVID-19: an observational and Mendelian randomisation study
26% lower mortality [p=0.17] and 18% fewer cases [p=0.01]. UK Biobank retrospective showing significantly lower COVID-19 cases with objectively measured physical activity.
Dec 1
2020
Halabchi et al., Journal of Physical Activity and Health, doi:10.1123/jpah.2020-0392 Regular Sports Participation as a Potential Predictor of Better Clinical Outcome in Adult Patients With COVID-19: A Large Cross-Sectional Study
89% lower mortality [p=0.08] and 28% lower hospitalization [p=0.04]. Retrospective 4,694 COVID-19 patients in Iran, showing lower risk of hospitalization and mortality with regular sports participation.
Nov 19
2020
Ho et al., BMJ Open, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040402 Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for COVID-19, and comparison to risk factors for influenza and pneumonia: results from a UK Biobank prospective cohort study
35% lower hospitalization [p=0.007]. UK Biobank retrospective 235,928 participants using walking pace as a proxy for physical fitness, showing lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization with an average vs. slow walking pace.
Nov 5
2020
Gao et al., PLOS ONE, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0241540 The impact of individual lifestyle and status on the acquisition of COVID-19: A case—Control study
105% more cases [p=0.0003]. Case control study in China with 105 cases and 210 matched controls, showing COVID-19 cases associated with physical activity ≥5 times per week. Authors note that people may choose gyms for exercise in winter, leading to higher exposure r..
Oct 31
2020
Mohamed et al., Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.07.012 The effect of aerobic exercise on immune biomarkers and symptoms severity and progression in patients with COVID-19: A randomized control trial
Small RCT with 30 mild/moderate COVID-19 patients, 15 performing 2 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, showing decreased severity (WURSS) and improved immune markers with exercise.
Oct 26
2020
Tret'yakov et al., Pulmonologiya, doi:10.18093/0869-0189-2020-30-5-553-560 COVID-19 in individuals adapted to aerobic exercise
98% lower severe cases [p=0.007]. Retrospective 293 COVID+ patients in Russia, showing lower risk of severe COVID-19 for individuals who regularly practice aerobic training in unadjusted results.
Oct 21
2020
Cloosterman et al., Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2020.10.009 Running behavior and symptoms of respiratory tract infection during the COVID-19 pandemic
Analysis of 2,586 participants of a running injury prevention RCT in the Netherlands, showing lower risk of COVID-19 symptoms with interval training and increased training hours, without statistical significance.
Oct 10
2020
Brawner et al., Mayo Clinic Proceedings, doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.10.003 Inverse Relationship of Maximal Exercise Capacity to Hospitalization Secondary to Coronavirus Disease 2019
74% lower hospitalization [p=0.001]. Retrospective 246 COVID-19 patients in the USA, showing the risk of hospitalization inversely associated with maximal exercise capacity. Adjusted results are only provided for MET as a continuous variable.
Jul 31
2020
Hamer et al., Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2020.05.059 Lifestyle risk factors, inflammatory mechanisms, and COVID-19 hospitalization: A community-based cohort study of 387,109 adults in UK
28% lower hospitalization [p=0.0004]. UK Biobank retrospective analysis of 387,109 people, showing lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization with physical activity.
Oct 31
2018
Guthold et al., The Lancet Global Health, doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants
Meta analysis of 358 surveys showing the prevalence of insufficient physical activity around the world. Prevalence in high-income countries was over twice as high, and has increased over time.
Please send us corrections, updates, or comments. Vaccines and treatments are complementary. All practical, effective, and safe means should be used based on risk/benefit analysis. No treatment, vaccine, or intervention is 100% available and effective for all current and future variants. We do not provide medical advice. Before taking any medication, consult a qualified physician who can provide personalized advice and details of risks and benefits based on your medical history and situation. FLCCC and WCH provide treatment protocols.
  or use drag and drop   
Thanks for your feedback! Please search before submitting papers and note that studies are listed under the date they were first available, which may be the date of an earlier preprint.
Submit