Journal of Exercise and Health Science

Bodyweight Strength Training and Functional Capacity of Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A randomized control trial focusing on the immune system

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training

2 Department of sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Rajaei University, Tehran, Iran

3 Professor of exercise physiology,Department of exercise physiology,Faculty of sport science in tehran Shahid rajaee teacher training university

10.22089/jehs.2023.14029.1060
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of students’ physical activity and threatens of immune system in the century. Although quarantine can be considered to fight against CORONA, its negative effects are certainly undeniable. Methods: The present study was a semi-experimental study in a pre-posttest design with a control group. The participant students (16.1±1.26 years old; n = 30) were randomly divided into the experimental group (CEP, n = 15) and the non-exercising control group (CG, n = 15). The pre/post assessment included: (1) salivary immunoglobulin-A (sIgA); (2) functional capacity (Muscular endurance, Flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance). After proving the normality of data distribution using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the exercises and Leven’s test was used to prove the assumption of homogeneity of variance. Results: The results revealed a significant (p = 0.045) increase in s-IgA levels after CEP. In control group s-IgA increased moderately and was not significant. Robust statistical differences observed in Muscular endurance, flexibility, and Vo2peak (p < 0.05) in experimental group. Conclusion: Body weight strength training is an effective program to improve functional capacity and immune system of students during COVID-19. It can be an available training program which can carried out in home. Although more research is needed to specify the relation of sport immunology and students kept in quarantine. Due to the possibility of closing schools in extraordinary circumstances such as the Corona pandemic or air pollution in densely populated cities such as Tehran.

Keywords

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Journal of Exercise and Health Science
Volume 2, Issue 2
March 2022
Pages 15-32

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