The emergence of COVID-19 has led to a global pandemic resulting in strict regulations to slow the spread of infection. This has limited participation in social gatherings, normal working conditions and physical activity. This has changed daily routines and adapted existence (new normal). Although COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory system, recent evidence indicates a multisystem disease which is frequently severe. Although long-term effects of COVID-19 are unknown, research has demonstrated that impaired pulmonary, psychological and physical function have shown to be adversely affected¹.

An effective way to avoid infection and communicable disease is good personal hygiene, healthy dietary and physical habits ². For many who have contracted COVID-19, adhering to these standards is difficult. It is therefore important to emphasise the fundamental role of physical activity prior, during and post disease transmission ³.

Regular physical activity has established benefits. It reduces the risk of contracting communicable diseases (viral and bacterial infections), promotes a healthy immunological response to infection, and possibly suppresses autoimmune activity in the absence of infection ³. On the contrary, physical inactivity is associated with the reduction in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength (deconditioning) and an increase in psychological stress ⁴. The role of physical activity is to prevent physical deterioration due to isolation, and to optimize cardio-respiratory fitness to reduce the risk of complications. It is therefore recommended that moderate physical activity be maintained during this period ⁵.

Recommendations on return to physical therapy are as follows;

• Consult your medical practitioner 14 days after quarantine for an assessment for the resumption of physical activity that is appropriate for the stage of infection ⁴.
• WHO physical activity guidelines suggest;
• 180 min/day for children under 5 years, 60 min/day for children and adolescents, and 30 min/day for adults over 18 years. This includes activities such as brisk walking, cycling or partaking in an exercise class.
• Reducing prolonged periods of inactivity. Aim for > 7500 steps per day.
• Aim to exercise 3-5 days a week for 30-45 minutes.
• Moderate forms of resistance exercises to preserve muscular strength and muscle mass (e.g. squat, push and press movement patterns).
• Partake in circuit training or aerobic exercise involving major muscle groups to increase heart rate and ventilation and preserve cardiorespiratory fitness.

Inclusion, physical activity and exercise training represent unique tools that contribute to overcoming the health-related consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide ⁶.