Discussion
fatigue, disease sequelae, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, pain, deaths
DISEASES, SECONDARY, DISEASE SEQUELA, OXIDATIVE STRESS, SEQUELAE
The present project aims to evaluate the effects of different exercise programs of physical and mental health, physical condition and biomarkers of the immune system and oxidative stress in older patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae.COVID-19 has left its stamp on the world, affecting more than 100 million persons, and although the data are confounding, there have been around 15 million deaths according to the World Health Organization [Most of the persons presenting COVID-19 survive, but it is also true that many of the survivors present the so-called post-COVID-19 sequelae. Older persons are more susceptible to presenting these sequelae, especially those with associated comorbidities, subsequently affecting their quality of life [Physical exercise has demonstrated to be one of the most beneficial regimens for short-, medium- and long-term health in all types of populations. It prevents, delays, mitigates and even reverses many metabolic, pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurocognitive, inflammatory, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, reducing fatigue and pain and increasing tolerance to exercise and daily life activities [The EJerSA-COVID-19 project is clearly in line with the “Health, Demographic Change and Well-being” challenge of the Ministry of Health, given the implications that are expected to be obtained in the prevention of the consequences of ageing through physical exercise, and especially, in patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae. The interdisciplinary approach of this project aims to generate knowledge that can be transferred and applied to favor healthier aging in older persons, with special emphasis on health problems related to age and COVID-19 that have negative repercussions on cognitive, physical and mental status. As stated within the setting of this grant call, this project will cover 3 main axes:Influence of physical activity that is beneficial to health on chronic non transmittable diseases (Post COVID-19)Impact of physical exercise on psychological well-being.Empowerment of the people: Active environments.From this perspective, the development and undertaking of the present project will provide important support to the national and European policies on health and prevention of diseases by physical exercise beneficial for health. Although tertiary aspects of prevention are targeted (reduce or eliminate disease sequelae) in this project, the conclusions may be applicable to primary and secondary prevention.Likewise, the focus of this project is aimed at two of the specific objectives established in the Strategy of Promotion and Prevention of Health of the Spanish National Health System:“Promote active and healthy aging of the population over 50 years of age through integrated intervention in healthy lifestyles as well as in safe environments and behaviors in coordination with environments of health and community family”.“Prevent functional impairment and promote health and emotional well-being in the population over 70 years of age by promoting the coordination of integrated interventions within the setting of health, and social and community services”.Finally, it should be noted that the EJerSA-COVID-19 project also covers the objectives included in the Program of Investigation of the Plan of Physical Activity and Sports of the High Council of Sports, which already aims to “Promote investigation and studies in the field of physical activity and sport and the transfer of its results, especially in the association and impact of sports on health, school, physical activity adapted to handicapped persons and physical activity for older persons”.Considering all of the above, we conclude by emphasizing the importance that this project will have with social and health care impact, and especially in older persons who have suffered COVID-19 and continue to have different physical and mental sequelae.