COVID-19 and aerobic exercise: possible role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2

Haidar Djemai (1, 2) , Rami Hammad (3) , Ibrahim Dabayebeh (4) , Saleh Hammad , Abdellah Merzouk (5) , Xavier Coumoul (2, 6) , Noirez Philippe (7, 1, 2, 3)

1 IRMES - URP_7329 - Institut de recherche biomédicale et d’épidémiologie du sport
2 T3S - UMR_S 1124 - Toxicité environnementale, cibles thérapeutiques, signalisation cellulaire
3 UQAM - Université du Québec à Montréal = University of Québec in Montréal
4 JU - The University of Jordan
5 APERE - Adaptations Physiologiques à l'Exercice et Réadaptation à l'effort - UR UPJV 3300
6 Réseau National Alimentation Cancer Recherche (réseau NACRe)
7 PSMS - Performance, Santé, Métrologie, Société - EA 7507

Abstract The emergence and circulation of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)—Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)—set off a global health crisis. SARS-CoV-2 spreads faster than its two ancestors, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Several modes of transmission have been identified: via respiratory droplets, contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces, and potentially, bioaerosols. Various countries have taken preventive measures that may include partial or total lockdowns lasting weeks. The physical inactivity associated with lockdowns may promote cardiometabolic or other diseases, while physical activity may play a critical role in preventing them. Here we develop the hypothesis of the involvement of aerosols in the contamination process, the role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the potential benefits and harm of physical activity during lockdowns, and we suggest directions for future research.

Keywords: COVID-19; Outdoor exercise; Physical activity; SARS-CoV-2

Domains: Human health and pathology

Haidar Djemai, Rami Hammad, Ibrahim Dabayebeh, Saleh Hammad, Abdellah Merzouk, et al.. COVID-19 and aerobic exercise: possible role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2. Archives of Public Health, 2022, 80 (1), pp.231. ⟨10.1186/s13690-022-00983-3⟩. ⟨hal-03859293⟩