Investigating the Levels of Lymphocytes, White Blood Cells, and Platelets in Middle-Aged Active and Inactive Individuals Infected with COVID-19 Hospitalized at Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Birjand City

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity on hematological parameters, specifically lymphocytes, white blood cells (WBC), and platelets, among middle-aged individuals infected with COVID-19. The objective was to determine whether physical activity levels are associated with differences in these key immune markers. A cross-sectional study design was utilized, encompassing 144 middle-aged (35-60 years) COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Birjand city. Participants were categorized into active and inactive groups based on their selfreported physical activity levels. Hematological parameters, including lymphocyte, WBC, and platelet counts, were measured and analyzed. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test to compare differences between groups. The study revealed significant differences in hematological parameters between physically active and inactive patients. Active individuals exhibited higher mean lymphocyte counts (2.48 ± 0.33 vs. 2.47 ± 0.34, p>0.05), WBC (6.55 ± 1.25 vs. 6.52 ± 1.24, p>0.05), and platelet counts (250.50 ± 45.00 vs. 249.95 ± 44.95, p>0.05) compared to their inactive counterparts, although the differences were not statistically significant, suggesting a potential modulatory effect of physical activity on immune markers in COVID-19 patients. Physical activity may have a beneficial impact on the immune response of middle-aged COVID-19 patients, as indicated by the differences in key hematological parameters between active and inactive individuals. However, the observed differences were not statistically significant, underscoring the need for further research to explore the relationship between physical activity and immune function in the context of COVID-19. Future studies should aim to employ longitudinal designs, objective measures of physical activity, and broader population samples to validate and extend these findings.