Published online Dec 19, 2021. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i12.1267
Peer-review started: April 1, 2021
First decision: June 17, 2021
Revised: June 27, 2021
Accepted: September 22, 2021
Article in press: September 22, 2021
Published online: December 19, 2021
Processing time: 249 Days and 9.8 Hours
The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in most nations deciding upon self-isolation and social distancing policies for their citizens to control the pandemic and reduce hospital admission. This review aimed at evaluating the effect of physical activity on mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to augmented levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 that led to cardiovascular and neurological disorders associated with highly inflammatory effects of viral infection affecting the brain tissues leading to damage of the nervous system and resulting in cognition dysfunction, insulin sensitivity reduction, and behavioral impairments. Anxiety and depression may lead to negative effects on various quality of life domains, such as being physically inactive. Regular physical activities may reduce inflammatory responses, improve ACE-2 responses, and improve mental well-being during self-isolation and social distancing policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies should be conducted to assess the different intensities of physical activities on cardiova
Core Tip: The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in most nations deciding upon self-isolation and social distancing policies for their citizens to control the pandemic and reduce hospital admission. This review aimed at evaluating the effect of physical activity on mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 may lead to cardiovascular and neurological disorders associated with inflammatory effects of viral infection affecting brain tissues, leading to nervous system damage and cognitive dysfunction, insulin sensitivity reduction, and behavioral impairments. Regular physical activities may reduce inflammatory responses, improve angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 responses, and mental well-being during self-isolation and social distancing.