A study by Glasgow Caledonian University has found vaccines are 50% more effective in people who exercise than those who don’t.
Regular physical activity is a known prevention of numerous chronic diseases, and recent data indicates it may also have important functions in the COVID-19 pandemic and in the prevention of infectious diseases.
A study by Glasgow Caledonian University has found this connection. The study found that a person who is active is 50% more likely to have a higher antibody count after receiving a vaccine than somebody who is not active.
For the study, researchers gathered and reviewed all available evidence relating to the effect of physical activity on the risk of falling ill and dying from infectious diseases like pneumonia — a frequent cause of death from COVID-19 — on the functioning of the immune system and outcome of vaccination.
The physical activity in the study was defined as aerobic — walking, running, cycling — or resistance or combined aerobic and resistance activity delivered three to five times per week for an average of 30 minutes at moderate to vigorous intensity for 12 weeks.
The results of the study show that higher levels of habitual physical activity are associated with a 31% lower risk of infectious disease and 37% lower risk of infectious disease-related mortality.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be beneficial use this information in your marketing strategy to attract new members. Simply encourage those in your community to engage in regular physical activity to strengthen their immune system and decrease their risk of infectious disease.
It is important to keep in mind the current evidence doesn’t provide enough information on how time, frequency, duration and type of physical activity influence the effect on immune defense. However, the level of physical activity recommended — 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity combining aerobic and strengthening activity — by current guidelines for prevention of chronic disease appears to be also protective against infectious disease and infectious disease mortality.
You can access and read the full research here to learn more.
Stay ahead in the fitness industry with exclusive updates!
Taylor Gabhart is the editor of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at taylor@peakemedia.com.
