other risk factors, like chronic health conditions, obesity and smoking, were taken into account.
Sallis sees exercise as a vital tool for protecting ourselves from a range of diseases, including severe COVID-19. “It’s free, and readily available to everyone,” he adds.
But it is no replacement for COVID-19 vaccination, the experts stress.
“The vaccine is the most powerful weapon we have,” Sallis says. Based on the new findings, he adds, exercise “might make it work even better.”
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Why might that be? In an experiment with lab mice, Kohut’s team found that interferon alpha might play a role: In mice that had their interferon alpha production blocked, exercise did not enhance the antibody response to vaccination.
But, Kohut says, there are likely multiple reasons behind the exercise effect.
The researchers are continuing to follow the study participants’ longer-term antibody response. They also want to test the effects of 60 minutes of exercise, which might be more feasible for many people.
Another question, Kohut notes, is whether exercise can have similar effects after people get a COVID booster — as the immune system has already been exposed to two doses of the vaccine.
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Tips for getting more active
The American Heart Association offers the following tips for adults looking to incorporate more exercise into their routine:
- Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.
- Add moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) on at least 2 days per week.
- Spend less time sitting. Even light-intensity activity can offset some of the risks of being sedentary.
- Gain even more benefits by being active at least 300 minutes (5 hours) per week.
- Increase amount and intensity gradually over time.