Abstract
INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, China, and subsequently spread worldwide. There were numerous restrictions on daily life activities, including lifestyles, social distancing, isolation and access to many forms of exercise and home confinement. All these activities have health benefits, as they enhance the immune system, which is the need of the hour during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is little data regarding the occurrence of COVID-19 among marathon runners, cyclists and yoga practitioners. The aim of the present study was to find the prevalence of COVID-19 among physically active and physically inactive individuals and to compare it among those groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Physically active individuals were selected as per the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health 2010, in the age group of 18-60 years, and included runners, yoga practitioners and cyclists from the Hyderabad club. A prevalidated questionnaire was circulated among the study groups through Google form. The data was analyzed statistically. RESULTS: There was a high proportion of persons affected by COVID-19 in the physically inactive group (75.75%) when compared to the active group (17.17%). The percentages of subjects who tested positive for COVID-19 were as follows: 16.16% cyclists, 29.29% runners and 27.27% yoga practitioners among the physically active individuals, and 51.51% of physically inactive subjects. CONCLUSION: Physical activity acts as a barrier against COVID-19 infections and enhances the immune system. Therefore, it has to be prioritized by public health agencies and incorporated into routine medical care.