Short Report - Special Collection: COVID-19

Novel coronavirus and regular physical activity involvement: Opinion

Sunday O. Onagbiye, Zandile J.R. Mchiza, Susan H. Bassett, Andre Travill, Bert O. Eijnde
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine | Vol 12, No 1 | a2453 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2453 | © 2020 Sunday O. Onagbiye, Zandile J.R. Mchiza, Susan H. Bassett, Andre Travill, Bert O. Eijnde | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 15 April 2020 | Published: 21 May 2020

About the author(s)

Sunday O. Onagbiye, Department of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science, Faculty of Community and Health Science, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
Zandile J.R. Mchiza, School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
Susan H. Bassett, Department of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science, Faculty of Community and Health Science, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
Andre Travill, Department of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science, Faculty of Community and Health Science, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
Bert O. Eijnde, SMRC Sports Medical Research Center and BIOMED Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium

Abstract

The novel coronavirus (NCOVID-19) has quickly become a public health concern globally and needs urgent attention. While there is no current evidence of vaccines and specific drugs to prevent and treat the ailments emanating from NCOVID-19 infections, complementary and conventional medical treatments could prove beneficial in ameliorating some of the respiratory difficulties, especially in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. These treatments include specific breathing exercises, a diet that strengthens the immune system, as well as avoiding tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. On the other hand, for those who have not contracted the virus, participation in indoor and within-the-yard physical activity could be beneficial in preventing unwanted weight gain as well as associated conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Keywords

NCOVID-19; physical exercise; respiratory difficulties; well-being; SSA

Metrics

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