Previous research stated that health exercise could increase the secretion of endorphins, increasing the body's immunity (Nia Sri Ramania et al., 2020). One of the four essential activities in fighting COVID-19 recommended by the government is exercising. Other activities include fulfilling good nutrition, adequate rest, and managing stress.

Sports activities are always associated with physical fitness. The fitter the state of a person's body, the higher the degree of health of that person. However, we should also note that the exercise carried out must meet the criteria for health sports, namely the minimum duration of its implementation is 20 minutes, submaximal intensity, and minimal involvement of large muscles that move in unison in the body.

The Research of Exercise

The Sports Science Research Group and the Clinical Pharmacology Research Group of the School of Pharmacy ITB did research related to the exercise. ITB team made observations regarding comparing fitness levels between the sample population exposed to Covid-19 and the sample population never exposed to Covid-19. This research is carried out through the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) ITB activities. The research team led by Dr. Nia Sri Ramania, M.Sc. This collaboration with Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung, Medical Rehabilitation Section, and a young researcher, Bagus Winata.

This study was conducted through performance measurements, including anthropometry and VO2 max or cardiorespiratory fitness of the two types of sample populations. Later, the results of this study can provide an overview for the community of the importance of exercise in eradicating the Covid-19 virus.

The Result of Research

The VO2max value is a person's maximum ability to consume oxygen while doing intense activities. Based on these considerations, the VO2max measurement was carried out. This study found that the VO2max of the sample population that had never been exposed to Covid-19 was better (39 mV min-1/kg-1) than the sample population exposed to Covid-19 (28 ml/min-1/kg-1). This proves that the better a person's VO2max is, the lower the risk of exposure to Covid-19.

The Principle of ATM

In addition to conducting research, this joint research team also campaigns for proper health exercise tips. These tips include calculating the pulse rate, recognizing the intensity and duration of proper health exercise training. There is also a formulation of the principle when exercising, which is called the ATM principle. ATM stands for Aman, Terukur, dan Menyenangkan (safe, scalable, and fun).

When exercising, a safe activity must be chosen so that the essence of this sports activity remains appropriate, namely improving the body's physiological functions. In addition, this activity must be measurable to describe the sports activities carried out and know the capabilities of our bodies. Finally, sports activities must be fun to help optimal physiological and psychological functions. Thus, do not forget to exercise so that immunity can increase.

This community service program has been published in Media Indonesia, the Rekacipta ITB rubric, on August 10, 2021, through the LPPM ITB service website.

Reporter: Hanan Fadhilah Ramadhani (Civil Engineering Class 2019)
Translator : Billy Akbar Prabowo (Metallurgical Engineering 2020)