The effect of BMI and physical activity levels on the duration of symptomatic days with Covid-19 infection

Regular exercise is known to boost immunity, increase immune response to fight infection, as well as speeding up recovery times and healing processes. This study seeks to assess if exercising regularly pre-SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and/or BMI status has an effect on recovery time.

A total of 215 people infected with COVD-19 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took part in this study (age 36±16 years, mass 72±15 kg, stature 166±11 cm). Only 10 patients were physically active and fulfil WHO physical activity requirement (Age 30±7 years, Mass 77±9 kg, Stature 176±1 cm).

There was a significant difference in recovery time between active and inactive patients (P = 0.00) with active patients’ recovery 2.7 times faster than inactive patients. Active patients showed a lower BMI level (p = 0.043).

Anthropometric measurement characteristics and the fitness level could be used in decision making scenarios for the estimation of the risk of complications in patients with COVID-19.