Benefits of Exercise on Influenza or Pneumonia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

A coronavirus pandemic has recently become one of the greatest threats the world is facing. Older adults are under a high risk of infection because of weaker immune systems. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the recent scientific evidence that outlines the effects of exercise on influenza or pneumonia in older adults. An electronic literature search was conducted using the WEB OF SCIENCE, SCIENCEDIRECT and GOOGLE SCHOLAR databases using the following keywords, "Exercise," "Older adult," "Influenza," and "Pneumonia." Any randomized control trials, cross-sectional and observational studies that related to this topic were all included. Twenty studies met the eligibility criteria for this review. Thirteen randomized control trials investigated the effects of exercise on the immune responses to influenza or pneumonia vaccination: seven trials employed moderate aerobic exercise, three employed resistance exercise, and the remaining three used Asian martial arts or special home-based exercises. Five cross-sectional and two observational studies examined the associations between exercise/physical condition and influenza/pneumonia. Most of the current studies suggested that prolonged moderate aerobic exercise may help to reduce the risk of influenza-related infection and improve the immune responses to influenza or pneumonia vaccination in older adults. In addition, training in traditional Asian martial arts was also found to be beneficial. Future research should focus on the different effects of moderate and vigorous exercise on influenza-related diseases.

Physical Activity Recommendations during COVID-19: Narrative Review

“…Table 1 shows articles that include guidelines or recommendations on aerobic work. A total of 28 items include aerobic exercise [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. The most recommended activities are walking, climbing stairs, performing activities on static machines, and running, among others.…”

“…Table 4 shows articles that include balancing recommendations. The table presents a total of seven articles [ 13 , 16 , 25 , 29 , 31 , 32 , 34 ] whose recommendations are aimed primarily at the general and older population. The most recommended activities are balance exercises, Tai Ji, and fall prevention for older peopled, along with recommendations for between 2–3 weekly sessions.…”

A Five-Ingredient Nutritional Supplement and Home-Based Resistance Exercise Improve Lean Mass and Strength in Free-Living Elderly

“…Over time, this process improves immunosurveillance and attenuates immunosenescence by preserving leukocyte function (T-cell, neutrophil, and NK cells), which lowers the immune response to bacterial challenge, enhances vaccination responses, and dampens systemic inflammation (inflammaging) [113,[116][117][118][119][120]. Currently, there is no scientific data regarding the specific benefits of physical activity on the risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms [112]; however, there is evidence that moderate intensity PA enhances protection against other viral infections such as influenza, rhinovirus, and herpes viruses [121,122]. Home-based options are particularly appealing considering the necessity of social distancing during pandemics.…”

The Online Education Mode and Reopening Plans for Chinese Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mini Review

“…From a risk communications perspective, the World Health Organization (WHO) has begun announcing “the COVID-19 virus” as the name of the new virus when communicating and providing updates for the public ( 2 ). This new outbreak has impacted massively on worldwide populations, especially on health and economy toll globally ( 3 ). The outbreak of COVID-19 has also resulted in huge health and economical toll globally.…”