In France, 500,000 cases of pneumonia are recorded each year. According to British researchers, regular exercise could reduce the risk of developing this acute respiratory infection and dying from it.
- Each year, 500,000 cases of French people contract pneumonia.
- Regular physical activity would reduce the risk of contracting and dying from respiratory diseases, especially pneumonia.
Physical activity is beneficial for the health of the heart, body and mind. Exercising improves bone condition, cardio-respiratory endurance and muscle fitness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sport also alleviates symptoms of depression and contributes to the prevention of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. Another benefit of regular physical activity: it would also reduce the risk of contracting and dying from pneumonia, an acute respiratory infection often caused by bacteria. This was revealed a study published in the scientific journal GeroScience November 25.
To reach this conclusion, researchers at the University of Bristol, England, started from an observation. “The link between regular physical activity and the risk of pneumonia is uncertain”, can we read in the works. They sought to identify a link between the practice of regular physical activity and the risk of pneumonia using a meta-analysis. Scientists looked at 10 research involving 1,044,492 people, who were followed for at least a year. The participants were divided into two groups: the most physically active and those who did not often practice a sporting activity.
Exercise to prevent pneumonia
The study authors found that people who exercised regularly were less likely to develop pneumonia and die from it. “Although our research could not determine the duration and intensity of physical activity, which is essential to prevent pneumonia, some of the results suggest that walking for 30 minutes once a week has a protective effect against death due to pneumonia”said Dr Setor Kunutsor, lecturer at the University of Bristol and author of the work.
“During the winter months and with Covid-19 circulating, the development of severe pneumonia due to the virus and other respiratory illnesses is common. Engaging in regular physical activity could reduce the risk of contracting respiratory illnesses , especially for at-risk patients like older adults and those with underlying medical conditions,” explained the researcher.
Although these results are encouraging, the scientists felt that more research needs to be done to determine the duration and variety of exercises that are most effective in fighting pneumonia.
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