:: Volume 8, Issue 2 (3-2021) ::
2021, 8(2): 4-12 Back to browse issues page
The role of physical activity and body mass index in the development and prevention of COVID-19
Behzad Aria , Jamshid Ayatollahi , Hamideh Kargar
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran , b.aria@yazd.ac.ir
Abstract:   (1434 Views)
Introduction: Given the high spread and mortality rate of COVID-19, it is of great importance to find solutions to prevent it. In this study, the role of physical activity and body mass index in the development or prevention of COVID-19 was investigated.
Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants included 155 patients with coronavirus selected as the experimental group and 150 age-matched healthy people included in the control group. The participants' physical activity levels were assessed using Beck's physical activity questionnaire. Independent t-test and binary logistic regression were run to analyze the data.
Results: The findings showed a significant difference between the patient and control groups body mass index (BMI), and total physical activity (P <0.05). On the other hand, total physical activity had a significant effect on COVID-19 prevention (P <0.05), but BMI had a significant increasing effect on the risk of COVID-19 (P <0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that physical activity can be effective in the prevention of COVID-19, but a higher body mass index may increase the risk for the development of COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID-19, Physical activity, Exercise, Women, Men
Full-Text [PDF 268 kb]   (470 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Public health
Received: 2020/11/11 | Accepted: 2021/01/12 | Published: 2021/03/2


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Volume 8, Issue 2 (3-2021) Back to browse issues page