Exercise rehabilitation associates with lower mortality and hospitalisation in cardiovascular disease patients with COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global health, social, and economic system challenges. In an effort to try and reduce transmission rates, most countries have varying levels of societal ‘lockdowns’ and social restrictions in place. This creates a unique challenge for the promotion of physical activity and exercise, which we know has profound physical and mental health benefits. Although there was initial promise of increased population interest in physical activity and exercise at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,¹ recent large-scale data from over 455 000 people has demonstrated a 27% decrease in average daily steps within 30 days of the pandemic declaration.²