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Respiratory health in athletes: facing the COVID-19 challenge
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... The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis of unprecedented scale in modern times [83]. The social distancing measures employed to curtail the impact of the infection are likely to reduce the amount of usual physical activity being performed by most individuals [2,28]. However, regular practice of physical exercise is known to induce multiple benefits on physical and mental health, including the improvement of the body's ability to combat infections [2]. ...
... Therefore, long duration and/or intense exercise can make people more susceptible to infections (mainly URTI), which can increase the risk of contamination and worsening of COVID-19 symptoms [33]. COVID-19's high morbidity and mortality is more prevalent in older people (> 60 years), but the health of a young and well-fit population or even athletes should also be noted since there are still many answers to be given in relation to COVID 19 [28]. Thus, understanding whether acute exercise or even chronic physical training increases the susceptibility to URTI or even COVID is very important. ...
... Thus, understanding whether acute exercise or even chronic physical training increases the susceptibility to URTI or even COVID is very important. And for that, it is necessary that adequate guidance becomes available [28]. ...
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating acute and chronic effects of physical exercise on IgA and IgG levels, as well as its relationship with the susceptibility to develop upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA statement. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE was performed in July 2020. This systematic review and meta-analysis included studies in which participants performed acute exercise or chronic physical training and were subjected to analyses of URTI incidence and concentrations of IgA and IgG. The selected studies for systematic review were divided into the following three groups: (I) trials that evaluated the effects of acute exercise in sedentary subjects, (II) trials that evaluated the effects of acute exercise in athletes/trained individuals, and (III) trials that evaluated the effects of chronic physical training on the incidence of URTI, as well as on the levels of IgA and IgG. Acute exercise increases the IgA levels in trained subjects but does not affect its levels in untrained subjects. Such increase in IgA levels induced by acute exercise is greater in trained individual that performed ultramarathon. On the other hand, chronic physical training reduces IgA levels in both trained and untrained subjects, does not change IgA levels in non-military subjects, besides from not affecting IgG levels. The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that acute exercise positively influences IgA levels in trained individuals, being this effect pronounced when a strenuous exercise such as ultramarathon is executed. Chronic physical training, in turn, does not affect IgG levels.
... Em relação aos riscos do retorno, o risco miocárdico pode ser altamente relevante, dados publicados de coortes de infecção Covid-19 indicam prevalência definitiva de dano no miocárdico. Com base nisso, e levando em consideração a evidência de um risco de deterioração tardia, é recomendado um descanso mais prolongado e uma estratégia conservadora de retorno ao treinamento (por exemplo, ≥10 dias a partir do início dos sintomas mais 7 dias a partir da resolução dos sintomas) (Hull;Loosemore;Schwellnus, 2020). ...
... Em relação aos riscos do retorno, o risco miocárdico pode ser altamente relevante, dados publicados de coortes de infecção Covid-19 indicam prevalência definitiva de dano no miocárdico. Com base nisso, e levando em consideração a evidência de um risco de deterioração tardia, é recomendado um descanso mais prolongado e uma estratégia conservadora de retorno ao treinamento (por exemplo, ≥10 dias a partir do início dos sintomas mais 7 dias a partir da resolução dos sintomas) (Hull;Loosemore;Schwellnus, 2020). ...
... Em relação aos riscos do retorno, o risco miocárdico pode ser altamente relevante, dados publicados de coortes de infecção Covid-19 indicam prevalência definitiva de dano no miocárdico. Com base nisso, e levando em consideração a evidência de um risco de deterioração tardia, é recomendado um descanso mais prolongado e uma estratégia conservadora de retorno ao treinamento (por exemplo, ≥10 dias a partir do início dos sintomas mais 7 dias a partir da resolução dos sintomas) (Hull;Loosemore;Schwellnus, 2020). ...
O livro é um enfrentamento e uma reflexão crítica sobre diferentes marcadores sociais estruturantes da nossa vida social (racismo, gênero, classe social, educação e saúde, esporte e lazer, entre outros). A obra se constitui de duas partes: na primeira, quatro personalidades que transcendem suas especificidades disciplinares, com reconhecimento nacional e internacional, discorrem sobre os temas e questões sociais fundamentais e uma segunda em que pesquisadores das ciências do esporte trazem o conhecimento avançado de seus grupos de trabalho na tentativa de estimular o pensamento crítico e o engajamento ao pensamento democrático.
... Em relação aos riscos do retorno, o risco miocárdico pode ser altamente relevante, dados publicados de coortes de infecção Covid-19 indicam prevalência definitiva de dano no miocárdico. Com base nisso, e levando em consideração a evidência de um risco de deterioração tardia, é recomendado um descanso mais prolongado e uma estratégia conservadora de retorno ao treinamento (por exemplo, ≥10 dias a partir do início dos sintomas mais 7 dias a partir da resolução dos sintomas) (Hull;Loosemore;Schwellnus, 2020). ...
... Em relação aos riscos do retorno, o risco miocárdico pode ser altamente relevante, dados publicados de coortes de infecção Covid-19 indicam prevalência definitiva de dano no miocárdico. Com base nisso, e levando em consideração a evidência de um risco de deterioração tardia, é recomendado um descanso mais prolongado e uma estratégia conservadora de retorno ao treinamento (por exemplo, ≥10 dias a partir do início dos sintomas mais 7 dias a partir da resolução dos sintomas) (Hull;Loosemore;Schwellnus, 2020). ...
... Em relação aos riscos do retorno, o risco miocárdico pode ser altamente relevante, dados publicados de coortes de infecção Covid-19 indicam prevalência definitiva de dano no miocárdico. Com base nisso, e levando em consideração a evidência de um risco de deterioração tardia, é recomendado um descanso mais prolongado e uma estratégia conservadora de retorno ao treinamento (por exemplo, ≥10 dias a partir do início dos sintomas mais 7 dias a partir da resolução dos sintomas) (Hull;Loosemore;Schwellnus, 2020). ...
O livro é um enfrentamento e uma reflexão crítica sobre diferentes marcadores sociais estruturantes da nossa vida social (racismo, gênero, classe social, educação e saúde, esporte e lazer, entre outros). A obra se constitui de duas partes: na primeira, quatro personalidades que transcendem suas especificidades disciplinares, com reconhecimento nacional e internacional, discorrem sobre os temas e questões sociais fundamentais e uma segunda em que pesquisadores das ciências do esporte trazem o conhecimento avançado de seus grupos de trabalho na tentativa de estimular o pensamento crítico e o engajamento ao pensamento democrático.
... There is evidence that young individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection develop relatively mild symptoms and recover almost completely over 5-7 days [8]. However, a minority of those infected have a heightened risk of further deterioration between days 7 and 9, with more fulminant lower respiratory tract manifestations and a possible systemic infection [8]. ...
... There is evidence that young individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection develop relatively mild symptoms and recover almost completely over 5-7 days [8]. However, a minority of those infected have a heightened risk of further deterioration between days 7 and 9, with more fulminant lower respiratory tract manifestations and a possible systemic infection [8]. In susceptible patients, an uncontrolled inflammatory immune response leads to extremely high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, or TNF alpha [9]. ...
Introduction:
Professional athletes are endangered by COVID-19 and belong to the high-risk population due to their lifestyle. To obtain information on the behavior of COVID-19 in professional athletes, serological, cytokine, and virus neutralization capacities were analyzed.
Materials and methods:
Hungarian national teams participated in international sports events during the early phases of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. Altogether, 29 professional athletes volunteered to donate plasma. Their serological status was evaluated by IgA, IgM, and IgG ELISAs and the highest virus neutralization titer in an in vitro live tissue assay. Plasma cytokine patterns were analyzed with a Bioplex multiplex ELISA system.
Results:
Surprisingly, only one athlete (3%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, while IgA was more common (31%). Neither plasma showed direct virus neutralization in a titer over 1:10; hence, they were not suitable for reconvalescent treatment. The 'cytokine storm' markers IL-6 and IL-8 were at baseline levels. In contrast, either the TNF-alpha-related cytokines or the IFN-gamma-associated cytokines were elevated. There was a strong negative correlation between the TNF-alpha- or IFN-gamma-related cytokines.
Conclusions:
Professional athletes are susceptible to the SARS-CoV-2 infection without developing long-term immunity through neutralizing immunoglobulins. Elevated secretory and cellular immunity markers indicate that these systems are probably responsible for virus elimination in this subpopulation.
... 8 Studies reporting on the health of the general population during the first UK lockdown reported increased sedentary behavior, greater disease risk, and increased negative psychological characteristics. [10][11][12][13][14][15] These characteristics include posttraumatic stress symptoms, anger, infection fears, and boredom 16 many of which were considered a consequence of financial struggles, frustration, and inadequate supplies of essential items and services during the lockdown period. 16 For those who exercise consistently as part of an active lifestyle, gym closures and competition cancellations have been associated with additional stress, anxiety, frustration, and depression, namely related to the removal of social support and the change to normal training/exercise routines. ...
... [17][18][19][20] This reduction in physical activity due to gym closures not only facilitates sedentary behavior but also reduces social interaction which for a lot of individuals impacts mental health and well-being, particularly as many participate to reduce their symptoms of anxiety and depression. 15,19 Some preliminary investigations have demonstrated that if exercise behaviors are maintained during lockdown periods, the impact on mental health is limited, 18 while others have noted a decline in mental health, suggesting that further investigation is needed. 20 However, it is evident that habitually trained individuals from community focused exercise programs are more likely to maintain exercise habits during nationally imposed lockdowns and report fewer changes to mental health as a result. ...
Background and Aims
The period between March 2020 and March 2021 saw an unprecedented change to everyday life due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. This included the closure of businesses in the health and fitness sector. Such closures impacted people in several ways; increasing stress, reducing mental well‐being, and decreasing motivation to exercise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of UK lockdowns on the behavior, motives, and general health & well‐being of CrossFit™ gym members in the United Kingdom.
Methods
A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 757 CrossFit™ participants (height 1.71 ± 0.10 m; weight 76.4 ± 16.1 kg; body mass index [BMI]: 26.1 ± 4.7 kg/m²) using an online survey, which included questions pertaining to COVID‐19, lockdown behaviors, motivation, health, and well‐being. Participants also reported on their training background and exercise habits during lockdown restrictions.
Results
Differences were observed in levels of exercise (p = 0.004), motivation to train at home (p < 0.001), and the feeling of being more stressed during the second lockdown compared with the first lockdown (p = 0.008). It was also highlighted that motivation to exercise was lower and stress levels significantly higher, in the 18–24 and 25–34 age groups compared with older ages groups.
Conclusion
This study found that exercise behavior, motivation, and stress levels were significantly impacted by the second government‐imposed lockdown. It is argued that these factors need to be addressed in planning for future National lockdowns to maintain the health and well‐being of UK residents, especially in younger adults.
... Therefore, people undergoing moderate training are less likely to develop infections, especially URTIs, while amateur athletes are more likely to develop infections than people who train moderately or are sedentary. On the other hand, professional athletes, despite the high training overload, are less likely than amateur athletes to develop these infections [40,41]. ...
... The intensity and duration of physical exercise are determining factors for different changes in the immune system. Studies show that moderate aerobic training (30 to 60 min, 3 to 5 days a week at an intensity between 60 and 80% of VO 2 max), as opposed to other intensities and volumes, results in an improvement of the immune system in the face of inflammation, in the capacity of phagocytic activity of neutrophils and monocytes [36,39,42] and a lower risk of URTIs [40]. The guiding mechanisms of exercise immunology are still discussed; however, hormonal and metabolic changes induced by exercise seem to play a relevant role [43][44][45][46][47]. ...
Food bioactive compounds (FBC) comprise a vast class of substances, including polyphenols, with different chemical structures, and they exert physiological effects on individuals who consume them, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. The primary food sources of the compounds are fruits, vegetables, wines, teas, seasonings, and spices, and there are still no daily recommendations for their intake. Depending on the intensity and volume, physical exercise can stimulate oxidative stress and muscle inflammation to generate muscle recovery. However, little is known about the role that polyphenols may have in the process of injury, inflammation, and muscle regeneration. This review aimed to relate the effects of supplementation with mentation with some polyphenols in oxidative stress and post-exercise inflammatory markers. The consulted papers suggest that supplementation with 74 to 900 mg of cocoa, 250 to 1000 mg of green tea extract for around 4 weeks, and 90 mg for up to 5 days of curcumin can attenuate cell damage and inflammation of stress markers of oxidative stress during and after exercise. However, regarding anthocyanins, quercetins, and resveratrol, the results are conflicting. Based on these findings, the new reflection that was made is the possible impact of supplementation associating several FBCs simultaneously. Finally, the benefits discussed here do not consider the existing divergences in the literature. Some contradictions are inherent in the few studies carried out so far. Methodological limitations, such as supplementation time, doses used, forms of supplementation, different exercise protocols, and collection times, create barriers to knowledge consolidation and must be overcome.
... Many people locked up due to social isolation were unable to cope with such a situation and, unfortunately, this was reflected in the deterioration of the quality and quantity of sleep. This resulted mainly from the lack of motivation to engage in physical activity and thus led to a significant deterioration of physical condition (Hall et al., 2020;Hammami et al., 2020;Tremblay et al., 2007;Youngstedt, 2005;Stutz et al., 2018). ...
This study examined the relationship between physical activity levels and sleep quality among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying patterns through clustering analysis. A longitudinal cohort of 1,600 students from Wroclaw Medical University, Poland participated from October 2020 to March 2021, with data collected in two stages: Stage I (n = 845) after six months and Stage II (n = 755) after one year. Physical activity levels, measured by the International Physical
Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-S), were categorized as low, moderate, or high in metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes per week, while sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), classifying participants as “good” or “poor” sleepers. Clustering analysis applied hierarchical agglomerative clustering (HAC) on 2021 data. Walking MET scores increased for both genders from 2020 to 2021, with significant gender differences. Females showed increased total MET, while male scores remained stable. Four clusters emerged: Clusters 1 and 2, with high walking plus vigorous or moderate activity, had shorter sleep durations, suggesting higher activity supports better sleep. Cluster 3, with low vigorous and moderate activity, had longer sleep duration, while Cluster 4, with irregular activity, showed the longest sleep duration, indicating inconsistent activity may increase sleep needs. Overall, consistent and varied physical activity may support optimal sleep patterns among students.
... Response options included: 0 day, 1-2 days, 3-4 days, 5-6 days, and 7 days 1 . During the COVID-19 period, according to the recommended moderate exercise volume per week (Hull et al., 2020), the frequency of exercise is categorized as low frequency (0-2 days), moderate frequency (3-4 days), and high frequency (≥5 days) for analysis purposes. ...
Exercise benefits individuals, but research about exercising with family members (EFM) and personal and family well-being is scarce. We investigated the associations of home-based individual exercise (IE) and EFM with personal and family well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A population-based cross-sectional survey on Hong Kong Chinese adults was conducted from February to March 2021, when COVID-19 was under control (N = 5825). Respondents reported the number of days IE and EFM occurred at home in the past 7 days (0, 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7), respectively. Family well-being, personal happiness, and personal/family adversity coping capability (ACC/FACC) were each measured with an 11-point scale (range 0–10). Psychological distress was measured using the four-item Patient Health Questionnaire (range 0–12). Associations were assessed using multiple linear regressions. Of 1911 respondents, 9.2% reported having ≥3 days of EFM. After adjusting for each other and sociodemographic characteristics, more frequent IE or EFM (≥3 vs. 0–2 days) was associated with greater family well-being, FACC, personal happiness, and lower psychological distress. Our findings suggest that home-based EFM or IE may promote personal/family well-being and highlight the potential for incorporating home-based exercise into public health strategies to enhance overall well-being.
... Two discrepancies between our findings and previous studies may be attributed to two factors. First, our study exclusively included confirmed COVID-19 cases, whereas other studies also included suspected cases (Hull, Loosemore, & Schwellnus, 2020;Hull et al., 2022;Schwellnus et al., 2021). Second, there was a notable difference in the athletic level of participants across studies. ...
Aims
This study aimed to explore the epidemiological circumstances, long-term clinical outcomes, and perceived impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on elite athletes’ sports performance. A secondary objective was to determine the sports-specific (contact vs. noncontact) prevalence of SARS-CoV‑2 among 65 SARS-CoV-2-positive athletes from the Olympic Training Center Rhineland (OSP; n = 599).
Methods
In all, 65 SARS-CoV-2-positive athletes from the German Olympic Training Center (OSP; 66% males—age: 23 ± 4 years; 34% females—age: 23 ± 5 years) participated in the panel study. Data collection occurred between June 2020 and October 2021 at two test times (t0: after a negative polymerase chain reaction [PCR] test, t1: 16 weeks after t0) through questionnaires and clinical assessments.
Results
The SARS-CoV‑2 prevalence was nearly identical in noncontact and contact-sport athletes (10.8% vs. 11.3%); 37% experienced symptoms lasting > 4 weeks. Over 50% of athletes paused their training for 4–8 weeks. At t1, 40% still experienced reduced perceived performance capacity (PPC) compared to their pre-COVID-19 level, while 64% reported ongoing limitations in sports participation, with mental and physical fatigue as the most prominent limiting factor, followed by shortness of breath and joint and muscle pain.
Conclusion
The long-term management of SARS-CoV-2-positive elite athletes should involve a comprehensive, multidimensional psychophysiological approach to address persistent sport-restricting symptoms. This approach will assist in developing tailored training protocols that allow a gradual increase in intensity and volume.
... It is predicted that athletes with chronic medical conditions, such as airway diseases that exist in about 20% of all endurance athletes, have heightened susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. 30 Moreover, regular exercise training at a moderate volume (30-60 min, 3-5 days per week) and intensity (60-80% of maximum capacity) is associated with a general decrease in the risk of respiratory tract infection. 31 Likewise, very high intensity training workloads, such as those of elite athletes, with or without sudden increases in training load, have been associated with transient immune perturbations, inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle damage. ...
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted the world of para-sports, necessitating difficult decisions by governing bodies like the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). This review examines some of the resulting implications for Paralympic athletes through an ethical lens, utilizing the doctrine of double effect (DDE) framework. Despite good intent, Covid-19 related policies often undermined athlete autonomy and exacerbated inequities across intersections like race, gender and disability. Restrictions contravened principles of self-determination, disproportionately impacting marginalized groups. Ableism in sporting cultures was spotlighted, with inadequate support systems despite para-athletes' elevated COVID-19 risks. The abrupt disruption of training/competition routines pivotal to mental health caused severe psychological distress. Physiologically, cessations of training impaired fitness and Tokyo preparations. Though intended to protect health, postponing Paralympic participation perhaps underestimated the resulting harm. DDE analysis revealed how even well-intended actions can have ethically problematic repercussions. Paralympian perspectives were undervalued during decision-making and centering athlete voices could have mitigated some of the detrimental impacts. This global crisis has underscored the urgency of promoting inclusion, accessibility and equity in para-sports. It also presents opportunities to build a more 'just' sporting landscape grounded in human rights, but this requires confronting ableism and elevating marginalized voices.
... The MSIF model module is used to obtain the athletes' motion parameters, biomechanical characteristic parameters and multi-source information in the training database. The data transmission system is used to transmit the collected relevant data to the training database [12,13]. ...
With the booming development of competitive sports worldwide, athletic training is receiving increasing interest in the world. Major sports organizations and universities around the world have established their own athlete training centers to support sports training and scientific research activities in recent years. Data from strength training is crucial for controlling muscle strength. However, this key factor is often attacked by the network. As NS threats escalate, artificial intelligence-driven strength training systems encounter information security risks. Therefore, this paper proposed a new strength training method based on NS and Multi-Source Information Fusion (MSIF). This method evaluates athletes’ sports skills, speed quality and strength quality through data fusion algorithm to effectively monitor the activities related to muscle strength control training. The research results showed that under the same conditions, the P value of the indexes of sports skills, speed quality and strength quality of male and female athletes in Group X before and after the experiment was greater than 0.05, and there was no significant difference; the P value of Group Y was less than 0.05, showing a significant difference, and indicating that the relationship between NS and MSIF and athletes’ muscle strength control training was positive.
... Regular exercise is of utmost importance to safeguard athletes' mental health, particularly in mitigating the risk of anxiety and depression, since for some athletes, the opportunity to compete at such events is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence (Rice et al., 2016(Rice et al., , 2019. Thus, the abrupt cancellation or postponement of major sport events and by extension preparation events, albeit necessary from the perspective of international health, has immediate and profound consequences on athletes' mental health (Hull et al., 2020;World Health Organization. WHO-Europe, 2020). ...
... Although the main concerns of COVID-19 focused on the cardiorespiratory system, COVID-19 can have pathological consequences in other organ systems, such as the musculoskeletal system, which can influence decision-making for the practice of physical exercise in athletes [27]. According to some authors, a pragmatic and monitored approach to the health of athletes should be adopted during the pandemic, especially in elite athletes and those who present symptoms and a diagnosis of COVID-19, with continuous monitoring by a health professional and the responsible technical team, since the practice of physical exercise or sport is a central component for maintaining a healthy lifestyle for athletes during the pandemic [27][28][29]. In the present study, it was observed that the vast majority of participants returned to the practice of physical exercise, with interval training for aerobic activities, however, without any access to a health professional or technician to monitor their physical and mental health. ...
Background
In the period between 2020 and 2023, during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, many countries released their restriction measures so that individuals were able to begin practicing physical exercises and outdoor sports again. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the physical exercise behavior, symptoms of respiratory tract infection, and training practice, as well as aspects of pain and injuries in the lower limbs of adults during periods of lockdown oscillations in the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.
Methods
Cross-sectional study. Participants: A total of 502 adults were evaluated during two consecutive years of the COVID-19 pandemic, corresponding to the years 2021 and 2022. A virtual questionnaire was applied using the Google Forms platform through a link, or a Quick Response Code available in social media environments. The variables collected were: anthropometric characteristics, presence of comorbidities, clinical history for the diagnosis of COVID-19, and behavior related to physical exercise practices, divided into five topics: (1) physical exercise habits; (2) symptoms and health care utilization; (3) habit of practicing physical exercise in relation to the prevention of COVID-19; (4) preventive measures for COVID-19; and (5) feelings and reasons for practicing exercises.
Results
A total 79.0% of the participants returned to the practice of physical exercise after a period of social isolation due to COVID-19, with running (30.0%) and muscle strength training (50.0%) being the most prevalent modalities, in which 62.0% of practitioners carried out the activity individually, without any professional or technical monitoring. With regard to physical preparation, 61.0% reported performing pre-training stretching, 64.0% associated with muscular resistance training. Of these, 89% did not report current injuries or pain symptoms when returning to exercise (69.0%). Total of 60.5% reported experiencing respiratory tract symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking a consultation with a doctor, and 61.0% performed diagnostic test, with RT-PCR (Real time-polymerase chain reaction) being the most common test. Of those tested, 55.0% were positive for COVID-19, without the need for hospitalization (95.0%). The most commonly used measures for the prevention of COVID-19 were the fabric or surgical mask. The predominant feeling in the pandemic was anxiety (50.5%) and the reasons for practicing sports were: physical conditioning (30.9%), a feeling of pleasure (21.3%), and weight loss (20.3%).
Conclusion
After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2021–2022), with periods of lockdown, there were low reports of injuries and pain symptoms after exercising on the return to physical exercise practices of running and strength training. However, the restrictions negatively affected the exercise behavior due to respiratory tract symptoms of COVID-19 and a reduction in training intensity, performed without any professional or technical supervision. The participants reported the use of a fabric or surgical mask for the prevention of COVID-19, and an increased feeling of anxiety. The reasons given for practicing physical exercise were physical conditioning, a feeling of pleasure, and weight loss.
... Finally, it is important to consider not only the physical but also the mental wellbeing of athletes before RTP (148). Counseling or psychotherapy should be considered for those having difficulty coping or for those experiencing emotional distress (149). ...
The European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) and the European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatricians (ECPCP) emphasize the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles within the pediatric population. Many health professionals have questions concerning adequate levels of physical activity for both the healthy pediatric population and for those who may have specific complications. Unfortunately, the academic literature that provides recommendations for participation in sport activities within the pediatric population that have been published during the last decade in Europe is limited and is mainly dedicated to specific illnesses or advanced athletes and not toward the general population. The aim of part 1 of the EAP and ECPCP position statement is to assist healthcare professionals in implementing the best management strategies for a pre-participation evaluation (PPE) for participation in sports for individual children and adolescents. In the absence of a uniform protocol, it is necessary to respect physician autonomy for choosing and implementing the most appropriate and familiar PPE screening strategy and to discuss the decisions made with young athletes and their families. This first part of the Position Statement concerning Sport Activities for Children and Adolescents is dedicated to healthy young athletes.
... Running and jumping, basketball, football and other ball games commonly seen in physical education teaching cannot be carried out. 3 Therefore, during covid-19, the development of physical education curriculum in online universities has had a great impact. However, for college students, with the normalization of covid-19 epidemic prevention and control, they gradually realize the importance of physical health to individuals. ...
Introduction
There were difficulties in teaching online courses during the COVID-19 period, mainly due to the particularities of sports, requiring activities and physical training for good use.
Objective
Explore the design of the online university physical education curriculum and the home exercise requirements of university students during the COVID-19 incidence.
Methods
We adopted the form of questionnaires and experiments for 544 students and 5 professors volunteering for the investigation. The questionnaires were graded, and statistically analyzed the data obtained from the questionnaire.
Results
The investigation shows that 40.26% of college students exercise between 60 to 90 minutes, 23.53% between 30 to 60 minutes, 21.51% between 90 to 120 minutes, and 10.48% between 0 to 30 minutes daily. Only 4.23% of college students reported exercising for more than 120 minutes daily. In addition, the impacts of exercising with online teaching are better than the procedure seen in students with independent exercise.
Conclusion
Physical education teachers should adapt student-related home sports programs according to the actual needs of the local situation and equipment arrangement so that college students are not limited in their home environments, improving the teaching effect in online college physical education courses. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
COVID-19; Education, Distance; Physical Education and Training; Quarantine
... 10 There is no comprehensive framework to support or guide individuals wishing to start or return to PA following illness or prolonged inactivity. Traditional 'return to play' strategies guiding the resumption of PA were inadequate to meet the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its sequelae 11 ; where a significant proportion of people reported postexertional symptoms as part of a Long ...
Digital interventions can increase physical activity (PA) levels in adults. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the complexities faced when guiding people to start or return to PA following illness or inactivity. A digital tool, Movement Foundations, was developed to provide remote guidance on building strength and capacity across functional movement patterns, with graduated progression based on user responses and input. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceived impacts of using the tool. Nine participants aged over 35 years from the healthcare and academic healthcare sectors were recruited to use it and were subsequently interviewed. Thematic analysis identified three themes falling under the overarching concept of ‘Capability, Opportunity and Motivation—Behaviour (COM-B) Plus’, encompassing: skills and capacity for movement; opportunities, motivations and barriers for movement; and a personalised, safe space in which to develop. Participants felt that the digital tool increased their capacity and confidence in movement and positively impacted their daily activities. External factors such as illness and stress clouded perceptions of the impacts of PA. Time, work pressures and needing equipment were still considered significant barriers to PA. Still, participants appreciated the flexibility and non-prescriptive nature of the tool and felt that it helped movement to become opportunistic and habitual. Increased capacity for PA and feeling the subsequent physical and mental effects positively influenced motivation. Structure and guidance, with graduated progress, were seen as protective. Guided self-reflection helped participants understand their capacity and limitations with regard to movement and promoted motivation. Although acquiring technical skills to guide movement may be important for those recovering from illness, participants found that a structure promoting individualised guidance, graduated progression and guided self-reflection were important motivational factors for continuing use. Digital interventions should consider these aspects when seeking to promote habitual PA.
... Sports also had to kneel and stop all activities for a long time. The fear that sports could represent a risk factor in virus spread [2,3], disease aggravation [4], and long-term health consequences [5][6][7] has prompted sports doctors to proceed based on the principle of maximum prudence [8]. Football was the first sport to resume competitions after the lockdown started in March 2020. ...
Introduction: Football was the first sport to resume competitions after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and promptly the hypothesis was raised of a potential relationship between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. This study aimed to confirm the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and muscle strain injury in a large population of elite football players and to investigate if the COVID-19 severity level could affect the risk of injury.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study involving 15 Italian professional male football teams was performed during the Italian Serie A 2020-2021 season. Injuries and SARS-CoV-2 positivity data were collected by team doctors through an online database.
Results: Of the 433 included players, we observed 173 SARS-CoV-2 infections and 332 indirect muscle strains. COVID-19 episodes mostly belonged to severity level I and II. The injury risk significantly increased after a COVID-19 event, by 36% (HR = 1.36, CI 95% 1.05; 1.77, p-value = 0.02). The injury burden demonstrated an 86% increase (ratio = 1.86, CI 95% 1.21; 2.86, p-value = 0.005) in the COVID-19 severity level II/III versus players without a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, while level I (asymptomatic) patients showed a similar average burden (ratio = 0.92, CI 95% 0.54; 1.58, p-value = 0.77). A significantly higher proportion of muscle-tendon junction injuries (40.6% vs. 27.1%, difference = 13.5%, CI 95% 0.002%; 26.9%, p-value = 0.047) was found when comparing level II/III versus Non-COVID-19. Conclusions: This study confirms the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and indirect muscle injuries and highlights how the severity of the infection would represent an additional risk factor.
... University students may experience mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and fear due to COVID-19 (9). Mental health deterioration may lead to negative health behaviors, as well as deteriotion in healthy lifestyle habits such as healthy eating, adequate physical activity, and stress management, which are known to be effective methods in dealing with the fear of COVID-19 (6,10). Therefore, in the present study, determining the COVID-19 fear and healthy lifestyle behaviors in health sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic was aimed. ...
Abstract
Objective: Determining COVID-19 fear, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and affecting factors of faculty of health sciences students during the pandemic process, and investigating the relationship between COVID-19 fear and healthy lifestyle behaviors were aimed in the present study.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out with the
participation of 687 university students studying at the faculty of health sciences
between December 2020 and February 2021. The data were obtained by online survey method using a structured information form, the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale-II (HLBS-II), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale.
Results: While the participants’ mean score of the Fear of COVID-19 scale was 17.98±5.49; the HLBS-II mean total score was determined as 130.43±20.58. The COVID-19 fear was higher in women, those who were following the daily data regarding the pandemic, those who did not smoke, and those who were considering to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Mean scores of HLBS-II were higher in those who followed the daily data of the COVID-19 pandemic, those who were using supplements, and those who adapted to the correct mask use.
Conclusion: It was observed that the average HLBS-II scores of university students were moderate and the level of COVID-19 fear was affected by gender, employment status, and smoking. Healthy lifestyle behaviors of the students should be enhanced to deal with the COVID-19 fear.
Keywords: COVID-19, fear, healthy lifestyle, risky health behaviors.
Amaç: Bu çalışmada sağlık bilimleri fakültesi öğrencilerinin pandemi sürecindeki
COVID-19 korkusunu, sağlıklı yaşam biçimi davranışlarını ve etkileyen faktörleri
belirlemek ve COVID-19 korkusu ve sağlıklı yaşam biçimi davranışları arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemek amaçlandı.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu kesitsel çalışma, Aralık 2020 ile Şubat 2021 tarihleri arasında sağlık bilimleri fakültesinde öğrenim gören 687 üniversite öğrencisinin katılımıyla gerçekleştirildi. Veriler, yapılandırılmış bir bilgi formu, Sağlıklı Yaşam Tarzı Davranışları Ölçeği-II (HLBS-II) ve COVID-19 Korku Ölçeği kullanılarak çevrimiçi anket yöntemiyle elde edildi.
Bulgular: Katılımcıların COVID-19 Korku Ölçeği ortalama puanı 17,98±5,49 iken; HLBSII ortalama toplam puanı 130,43±20,58 olarak saptandı. Kadınlarda, pandemi ile ilgili günlük verileri takip edenlerde, sigara içmeyenlerde ve COVID-19 aşısı yaptırmayı düşünenlerde COVID-19 korkusu daha yüksekti. HLBS-II puan ortalamaları, COVID-19 pandemisinin günlük verilerini takip edenler, takviye kullananlar ve maskenin doğru kullanımına uyum sağlayanlarda daha yüksek bulundu.
Sonuç: Üniversite öğrencilerinin ortalama HLBS-II puanının orta düzeyde olduğu ve
COVID-19 korku düzeyinin cinsiyet, çalışma durumu ve sigara kullanımından etkilendiği görüldü. COVID-19 korkusuyla baş edebilmeleri için öğrencilerin sağlıklı yaşam biçimi davranışları güçlendirilmelidir.
Anahtar Kelimeler: COVID-19, korku, sağlıklı yaşam tarzı, riskli sağlık davranışları.
... The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs through respiratory droplets, aerosols from infected people, fomites, and direct touch (Demongeot et al., 2021;Munipalli et al., 2022). Athletes may be at higher risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 than nonathletes due to their usual high intensity of training and competition (Hertel et al., 2021;Hull et al., 2020). Acute illness and persistent symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., anosmia, dyspepsia, headache, fatigue, cough, chest pain) may affect athletes' regular training and performance. ...
The COVID‐19 pandemic restricted the regular training and competition program of athletes. Vaccines against COVID‐19 are known to be beneficial for the disease; however, the unknown side effects of vaccines and postvaccination reactions have made some athletes hesitant to get vaccinated. We investigated the changes in inflammatory responses and menstrual cycles of female athletes before and after vaccination. Twenty female athletes were enrolled in this study. Blood was collected from each subject before the first COVID‐19 vaccination and after the first and second vaccinations. Laboratory data, including white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts, and inflammatory markers, including NLR (neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio), PLR (platelet lymphocyte ratio), RPR (red cell distribution width to platelet ratio), SII (systemic immune‐inflammation index), and NeuPla (neutrophil–platelet ratio), were analyzed statistically. The menstrual changes before and after vaccination and the side effects were collected by questionnaires. No significant changes in the laboratory data were found after the first and second shots when compared to those at prevaccination: white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, NLR, PLR, SII, RPR, and NeuPla (p > 0.05). In addition, there were no significant changes in the menstruation cycle or days of the menstrual period (p > 0.05). All side effects after vaccination were mild and subsided in 2 days. The blood cell counts, inflammatory markers, and menstruation of female athletes were not affected by COVID‐19 vaccines. Blood cell counts and inflammatory indices in the blood were not affected by COVID‐19 vaccines, and the regularity of menstruation was not altered.
... Agremiaciones de control médico-sanitario mundial elevaron alarmas por interrupción de actividades por COVID-19; futbolistas élite en aislamiento, no fueron la excepción, generando diversas consecuencias e incertidumbre por el futuro profesional, las preparaciones físicas para mantener su condición físico-atlética y su repercusión económica (Hull et al. 2020). La situación deportiva sin precedente alguno, en donde por primera vez se suspendieron entrenamientos, competiciones, vida deportiva en general, sin establecer cómo evolucionaría, brindó nueva normalidad, truncada por posibilidades de contagio y recontagio (Toresdahl & Asif, 2020 Deportiva-ASCM (2020) (por sus siglas en inglés), apoyó el desarrollo de estas al aire libre; Holanda y Bélgica, se sumaron a esta postura (Rangel Gutiérrez, 2020). ...
Introducción: la evidencia sobre la relación entre carga de entrenamiento y aspectos psicológicos en el aislamiento por la pandemia de la COVID-19 es escasa y se requieren estudios orientados a prevenir lesiones deportivas en el fútbol competitivo. Objetivo general: determinar la carga de entrenamiento y su relación con la respuesta psicológica de futbolistas profesionales, durante el confinamiento por la pandemia COVID-19. Materiales y métodos: diseño observacional, descriptivo-correlacional, se valoraron 90 jugadores colombianos profesionales masculinos de fútbol 11 y fútbol sala, con edad promedio de 24,0 ± 4,2 años, quienes respondieron vía online un cuestionario multivariable de carga de entrenamiento deportivo y el inventario POMS. Resultados y discusión: la afectación del estado de ánimo se correlacionó inversamente con la exigencia y entreno. Hubo correlación significativa directa entre el tiempo diario de entrenamiento previo y este tiempo en aislamiento y también con el tiempo semanal durante el aislamiento preventivo. Conclusión: la mayor exigencia y dedicación al entrenamiento, se asocia con menor afectación de respuesta psicológica en los estados de ánimo y los antecedentes de mayor entrenamiento prepandemia favorecieron una mayor intensidad de entreno, en el periodo especial.
... Análises no mês seguinte mostraram que o surto não estava mais contido e que outras grandes cidades chinesas sofreram surtos localizados 8 . Em virtude disso, todos os grandes eventos esportivos internacionais, incluindo os Jogos Olímpicos de Tokio de 2020, foram cancelados ou adiados 9 . ...
Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar o impacto da paralisação pela pandemia no humor e na rotina de atletas de alta performance durante o isolamento social, e após o retorno às práticas esportivas, com base nos testes realizados em um clube profissional. Também comparar carga de treinamento e incidência de lesões em temporada prévia, com aquela realizada durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Foram incluídos 14 membros de uma equipe profissional masculina de voleibol em Juiz de Fora – MG, durante o período de dezembro/2020 a março/2021. Os atletas selecionados foram acompanhados durante a temporada regular de 2020/2021. Foram excluídos atletas masculinos da equipe que não compõem o time profissional e atletas do time feminino de qualquer categoria. Para efeito de comparação da carga de treino e da incidência de lesões entre as temporadas 2018/2019 e 2020/2021, foram obtidos dados históricos do próprio clube. Obteve-se como resultado que a carga de treino foi 58,2% menor quando comparada a temporada 2020/2021 a de 2018/2019. A perturbação total do humor decresceu ao longo do seguimento em 2020/2021, especialmente em indivíduos com maior tempo profissional. O número total de lesões diminuiu de 41, em 2018/2019, para 22, em 2020/2021, provavelmente pela menor carga de treino. Em suma, a pandemia, resultou em impactos negativos na carga de treino dos atletas analisados. Contudo, constatou-se que a perturbação total do humor (PTH) teve redução progressiva de seus níveis com o retorno às práticas esportivas. Este estudo traz associações significativas sobre a relação entre o afastamento dos atletas profissionais, seus índices de humor (PTH) e desempenho (carga de treino) no retorno às atividades.
... 12 In athletes, the COVID-19 pandemic had an immediate impact on ability to train and undertake competitive sport with the majority of major sporting events cancelled. 13 The cessation of regular training and competition impacted not only impacts physical performance, with detraining effects on skeletal muscle mass and with alteration of mechanical tissue properties and structure 14 but also has deleterious effects on psychological well-being. 15 Our understanding of how the pulmonary system is impacted in athletes with COVID-19 remains at a relatively embryonic stage. ...
Athletes typically experience a mild‐to‐moderate, self‐limiting illness following infection with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Some athletes, however, can develop prolonged symptoms, with breathlessness, cough, and chest tightness impacting return to training and competition. In athletes with persistent cardiopulmonary symptoms following COVID‐19, focus is usually placed on the identification and characterization of cardiac complications, such as myocarditis. In this review, we focus on summarizing the literature assessing pulmonary complications and physiological consequences associated with COVID‐19 illness in athletes. The review also provides recommendations for clinical assessment of the athlete with pulmonary issues following COVID‐19 and directions for future research.
... But those who asymptomatic with positive or active infection should abstain from exercise for at least 2 weeks from the date of positive test. It is reported that patients having COVID-19 symptoms should rest for!10 days from the beginning of symptoms plus 7 days from symptom resolution' (Hull et al., 2020). To strengthen cardiovascular health aerobic exercise is recommended before infection. ...
... Several reports have been published about the possible cardiorespiratory complications of COVID-19 in athletes [21][22][23][24] emphasizing the importance of a thorough return to play examination protocol [6,25]. As the duration of the competition was planned to last for 6 weeks, the medical team agreed to provide the possibility of returning to the competition to those athletes who tested positive while inside the bubble. ...
Background
Organization of mass sport events in the COVID-19 era is utterly complicated. Containments measures, required to avoid a virus outbreak, force athletes to compete under circumstances they never experienced before, most likely having a deleterious effect on their performance.
Purpose
We aimed to design a so-called athlete-friendly bubble system for the International Swimming League 2020 event, which is strict enough to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak, but still provides a supportive environment for the athletes.
Methods
To avoid the feeling of imprisonment, athletes were permitted to spend a certain amount of time in the parks surrounding the hotels. Such alleviations were possible to apply with strict adherence to the hygienic and social distancing protocols and regular COVID-19 testing. Evaluation of every COVID-19 positive case was key, and if prolonged PCR positivity or false positive PCR result was identified, the unnecessary quarantine was planned to be lifted. Return to play protocol (RTP) was planned, in case of a COVID-19 infection of an athlete inside the bubble. To test, if the athlete-friendly system provided a supportive environment, we evaluated athlete performance.
Results
11,480 PCR tests were performed for 1,421 individuals. 63 COVID-19 positive cases were detected, of which 5 turned out to be clinically insignificant, either because of prolonged PCR positivity or because of a false positive result. 93.1% of the positive cases were detected in the local crew, while no athlete got infected inside the bubble, as the two infected athletes were tested positive upon arrival. RTP was provided for two athletes. 85% of the athletes showed improvement during the bubble and 8 world records were broken.
Conclusion
The applied protocol proved to be effective, as no athlete got infected inside the bubble, moreover, the athlete-friendly system supported the athletes to improve their performance.
... To determine clinical probability, it is advised that the traditional 'above the neck' and 'below neck' symptoms should be identified, and this should guide the next procedure to follow, which is also in line with the GRTP protocol, highlighted in Table 2. Generally, athletes require around 10 days to be back to normal training based on the median duration for players to report no symptoms, although as many as 14% could still be unavailable for 28 days later and beyond. 52 However, athletes with 'above neck' symptoms will typically recover faster than those with 'below neck' symptoms, 53 and the GRTP reflects this, as the latter has an additional 5-day rest period to allow for longer recovery and greater monitoring ( Table 2). Using the GRTP will produce consistency among athlete treatment and care, and therefore reduce the confusion currently surrounding when athletes should/should not compete with a recent COVID-19 infection. ...
Curtailing elite sports during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was necessary to prevent widespread viral transmission. Now that elite sport and international competitions have been largely restored, there is still a need to devise appropriate screening and management pathways for athletes with a history of, or current, COVID-19 infection. These approaches should support the decision-making process of coaches, sports medicine practitioners and the athlete about the suitability to return to training and competition activities. In the absence of longitudinal data sets from athlete populations, the incidence of developing prolonged and debilitating symptoms (i.e., Long COVID) that affects a return to training and competition remains a challenge to sports and exercise scientists, sports medicine practitioners and clinical groups. As the world attempts to adjust toward ‘living with COVID-19’ the very nature of elite and international sporting competition poses a risk to athlete welfare that must be screened for and managed with bespoke protocols that consider the cardiovascular implications for performance.
... Akin to the sports medicine field, 16 guidelines regarding the timing and approach for return to singing for performers after COVID-19 require careful consideration of the psychologic and physiologic impacts of the virus, performance capacity and application of targeted rehabilitation programs to optimize fitness. 17 On a brighter note however, one could postulate that singers might have an advantage over non-singers when recovering from COVID-19 infection. ...
... But those who asymptomatic with positive or active infection should abstain from exercise for at least 2 weeks from the date of positive test. It is reported that patients having COVID-19 symptoms should rest for!10 days from the beginning of symptoms plus 7 days from symptom resolution' (Hull et al., 2020). To strengthen cardiovascular health aerobic exercise is recommended before infection. ...
There is a challenging time to adopt the “New Normal” of living for the survival of humanity to fight against the pandemic of COVID-19. The new emerging infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) leads to serious public health risk that resulting to damage immune function within a host. Body has a specific and nonspecific immune mechanism to recognize and eliminate the viral infection. Since it is difficult to avoid completely from being in contact with those who are asymptomatic with positive (active infection), indispensably the host defense mechanism has to be strengthened enough to get optimum functional health by enhancing the body’s natural immunity in the population.Regular moderate exercise possibly has the potential to play a significant role in immune health care in terms of devising policies of prevention, management, and rehabilitation to deal with the deadly virus. Several studies proved the efficacy of moderate physical exercise in control and management of some lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, cardiac disease, obesity, cancer, etc., which are also co-morbid conditions in patients with COVID-19. Exercise seems a strong relevance to be useful in vulnerable population such as children, elderly, and immunocompromised persons. Exercise favorably could be a powerful tool of healthy living when people apparently is becoming re-infected and there is no evidence around how long people might remain immune protected after exposure to COVID-19 for which herd immunity has not been achieved by the recovered population.An ideal moderate exercises program has a great impact on the normal functioning of the immune system for supporting a strong resistance to fight infections against any virus and if infected recover quicker. Exercise is not an alternative to medicines but as supplementary, preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative measures to keep COVID-19 type of viral diseases away when vaccine immunity is known very little and while there is a possibility of both recovered and vaccinated persons may later become infected again.KeywordsModerate exerciseImmune healthCOVID-19
... The United Nations (UN, 2020), in the health report it published, noted that many individuals are not able to participate in physical activities, conducted individually or in group formats, since the majority of suitable areas for physical activities are restricted, and as such, pandemic circumstances led individuals towards a more sedentary lifestyle. This may cause individuals to face various issues such as coronary diseases, hypertension, shortness of breath, neuroses, disappointment and, eventually, isolation from the outside world (Hull et al., 2020). Turgut et al. (2020) stated that the COVID-19 pandemic reduces the level of physical activity, enhancing negative moods and eating disorders. ...
Background: It is important to determine the individual factors that cause the differentiation of negative reactions of individuals due to epidemics. The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating role of a sedentary lifestyle and the mediating role of fear of COVID-19 on the relationship between rumination and life satisfaction. Intense rumination is known to have a negative impact on individuals' life satisfaction levels. Very little is known about variables that may mediate and moderate this relationship.
Participants and procedure: The study was conducted with staff members of five-star accommodation establishments in Turkey. Data were collected with a quantitative research method via questionnaires , completed by 386 full-time employees.
Results: The results show that rumination negatively affects life satisfaction, and fear of COVID-19 has a mediating role between rumination and life satisfaction. In addition, the study concluded that a sedentary lifestyle moderated the indirect effect of rumination on life satisfaction through fear of COVID-19. This finding indicates that the negative impact of rumination on life satisfaction, mediated by fear of COVID-19, decreased, as the active lifestyle level of employees increased.
Conclusions The results indicate the importance of active lifestyles in reducing negative impacts of the fear of being infected with a disease during times of crisis such as outbreaks and ru-minative thoughts on lifestyle. The findings of this study provide substantial contributions with respect to how outbreak related negative reactions occur and differ.
... Numerous factors affect the athletes' respiratory function adversely such as exercise intensity, environmental factors, and acute respiratory disorders. Infection with COVID-19 that specifically targets the respiratory system may cause permanent damage in unvaccinated athletes even in mild disease, thereby affecting exercise performance and put an early end to their professional careers (Hull et al., 2020). Although more than half of patients have recovered from COVID-19 in the general population, little is known how COVID-19 has affected the athlete population (Shah et al., 2021;Smet et al., 2021;Anastasio et al., 2021). ...
Purpose
We investigated abnormalities and recovery in respiratory function after COVID-19 infection in an unvaccinated elite athlete population.
Methods
Measurements included maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF).
Results
The most frequent reported symptoms were fatigue with 80% and muscle/joint pain and headache with 50%, whereas only 10% reported dyspnoea and 30% cough. During follow-up, MIP was up to 13% and MEP up to 8% lower following COVID-19 infection. Likewise, FEV1 was up to 2% and FVC up to 5% lower. While MEP and FEV1 rapidly normalised, MIP and FVC still remained abnormal after 52 days of COVID-19 infection, thereby leading to a restrictive ventilatory pattern. PEF seemed unaffected during follow-up.
Conclusions
COVID-19 decreases respiratory function in unvaccinated athletes despite reporting few respiratory symptoms and having mild disease. An initiative aimed at reducing the long-term adverse effects following COVID-19 infection seems warranted, which perhaps may be avoided through vaccination.
... However, elderly-aged and comorbidities are not enough to explain the vulnerability to this severe infection. Additionally, pre-existing dietary habits of people appear to be linked to variability in COVID-19 symptoms (Butler and Barrientos, 2020;Hull et al., 2020;Whittemore, 2020;Zbinden-Foncea et al., 2020). Nevertheless, it is poorly known exactly why some people are more vulnerable whilst others less. ...
Background: It was assumed that dietary habits might influence the status of COVID-19 patients. Aim: We aimed at the identification of association of dietary habits with the COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study (n = 1025). We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to correlate the association between self-reported dietary patterns and COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Results: Dietary habits (black tea, milked tea, pickles, black caraway seeds, honey, fish, fruits, vegetables, garlic, onion and turmeric) were identified with lower risk of COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Interestingly, the consumption frequency (one-, two- or three-times/day) of rice - the staple food in Bangladesh - was not associated with COVID-19 severity and hospitalization for comorbid patients. In contrast, a moderate rice-eating habit (two times/day) was strongly associated with the lower risk of severity and hospitalization for non-comorbid patients. However, for both comorbid and non-comorbid patients, consumption of black tea, milked tea, pickles and honey were associated with a lower likelihood of severity and hospitalization. Overall, a high consumption (three-times/day) of fish, fruits and vegetables, a moderate consumption of garlic, onion and turmeric spices and a daily intake of black/milked tea, and honey were associated with reduced risk of COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Conclusions: To reduce the severity of COVID-19, a habitual practice of intaking black tea, milked tea, black caraway seeds and honey along with dietary habit (rice, fish and vegetables) and with a moderate consumption of ginger, garlic, onion, mixed aromatic spices (cinnamon + cardamom + cloves) and turmeric might be suggested.
... The German Volleyball Bundesliga tournament restarted their season (September 2020) based on specific hygiene guidelines (Konzept Wiederaufnahme Trainings-und Spielbetrieb, 2020). Nevertheless, there is still a lack of systematic data on how team and contact sports contribute to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during training and competition (Hull et al., 2020;Nieß et al., 2020). There are few reports on possible transmission during sports events; however, evidence is still limited (Atrubin et al., 2020;Brlek et al., 2020). ...
Introduction
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic poses extraordinary challenges in all fields of daily life. The WHO recommended social distancing guidelines and person-to-person contact was strongly discouraged to contain transmission. Team-based sports were questioned and widely debated. However, there is a lack of available evidence on the risk of in-game SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We aim to derive new insights regarding the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection during team sports and provide current opinion on how to behave during training and competition.
Methods
We report on six competitive male volleyball players (national level) of the same team who were infected with COVID-19. The mode of transmission and potential virus spreading within the team was investigated. The entire course of infection was documented by detailed medical history of the players and RT-PCR tests confirmed suspected infections. Serological testing was performed to establish the antibody status of the team.
Results
The investigation did not show strong evidence of viral transmission within the team during sporting activities. Only two players with PCR-proven infection hat detectable antibodies in two antibody assays.
Conclusion
Private and social gatherings can spread infection into team sports. Clearly defined test strategies and strict adherence to standard COVID-19 hygiene guidelines during sports seasons cannot be overemphasized.
... To the Editor, Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease transmitted mainly through aerosol spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and in most cases leads mild to moderate respiratory illness, which usually resolves within 5-7 days. 1 Regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise has been associated with a strong and timely immune response against infections, thus reducing susceptibility to acute respiratory illness, and also protecting from severe COVID-19 outcomes. 2,3 Frequent high-intensity training has also been proposed to enhance vaccine-induced cellular and humoral immunity. ...
... The training interruptions reduce the total training load while the high intensity or volume of the training lead to a temporary immune system depression [99]. In fact, regular and moderate physical activity is associated with an improvement in the immune function, optimizing the body's defence mechanisms against infections [100], conversely, high-intensity training, have been associated with transient immune perturbations, inflammation and oxidative stress, especially in recreational athletes [101]. Nevertheless, the conservative approach, linked to the application of COVID-19 prevention rules, may delay the athletes' preparedness and event results [102]. ...
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic illness that is impacting the cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and cognitive function of a large spectrum of the worldwide population. The available pharmacological countermeasures of these long-term effects of COVID-19 are minimal, while myriads of non-specific non-pharmacological treatments are emerging in the literature. In this complicated scenario, particular emphasis should be dedicated to specific exercise interventions tailored for subjects and athletes recovering from COVID-19. Specific guidelines on adapted physical activity in this critical population are unavailable so far, therefore, in this position statement of the Società Italiana di Scienze Motorie e Sportive (SISMeS) the members of the steering committee of the research group Attività Motoria Adattata, Alimentazione, Salute e Fitness have indicated the adapted physical activity approaches to counteract the long-term effects of the COVID-19, both in good health people and athletes.
... In order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in our country, as in the whole world, measures have been taken to prevent the epidemic with the transition of universities to distance education, curfew, partial quarantine practices, social distance, mask use, and cleaning rules. Participation in physical activity or sports, which is an essential component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle (Hull et al., 2020); social areas, fitness centres, and public parks were negatively affected due to the closure of the COVID-19 pandemic measures (Heffernan & Jae, 2020). Due to COVID-19, the young population has shown a sedentary lifestyle during the quarantine period, their susceptibility to depression has increased and their quality of life has been adversely affected (Cihan & Pirinççi, 2020). ...
The aim of the study is to reveal how the personality types of Sports Science students have affected their fear of COVID-19 in terms of some variables. 272 undergraduate students (female: 115, male: 157) who continued their studies in Sports Sciences participated in the study. In the study The 'Coronavirus-19 Fear Scale' and The 'Five Factor Personality Scale' was used. The obtained data were analyzed with the Jamovi 2.0.0 statistical software program. According to the findings, students' coronavirus total scores have a positive relationship with the 'Self-Regulation' personality type and a negative relationship with the 'Neurotic' personality type. As a result, coronavirus fears are affected by students' personality types, gender, smoking and the fact that someone in the family has COVID-19.
Background. Exercise-induced oxidative stress, often resulting from high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can cause short-term declines in performance due to alterations in cellular and DNA function. Therefore, oxidative stress markers have gained increased attention for their potential role in reducing risks and improving individual performance. Objectives. This study aimed to assist researchers and practitioners in grasping current research trends and exploring future research directions in the field of oxidative stress and HIIT. Materials and methods. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric overview and visualization of research on oxidative stress in HIIT, analyzing 192 publications from the Scopus database. Scopus was chosen for data extraction due to its prominence as Elsevier’s citation database, high-quality peer-reviewed works, and four metrics: h-index, CiteScore, SCImago Journal Rank (SJR), and Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP). Results. By employing various visualization tools to analyse influential authors, organisations, and keywords, the paper identifies leading publications and key research clusters related to oxidative stress in HIIT. Conclusions. Through performing citation and reference co-citation analyses, the study highlights central research topics and emerging trends pertaining to oxidative stress in HIIT.
Mental health in athletes is crucial as it significantly impacts sports performance, overall well-being, and the daily lives of athletes. The importance of mental health in the athlete context indicates that attention to this aspect not only affects sports performance but also the overall well-being and lives of athletes. This research aims to understand publication trends related to mental health in athletes through bibliometric analysis. In this analysis, VOSviewer software and the bibliometric analysis application biblioshiny were used to graphically analyze bibliographic data. After filtering, 729 documents were analyzed from the Scopus database. The results show fluctuating trends in the number of publications, with the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health as the highest contributor with 125 documents. The USA ranks first in documents focusing on mental health in athletes, with 637 documents. Additionally, Ulster University is the most prolific affiliation, contributing the highest number of publications, each with 30 documents. The globally most cited document, published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, has been cited 177 times. Visualization of research trends reveals popular topics aligned with research and discussions, including mental health, male, human, female, athlete, adult, psychology. This research can significantly contribute to understanding and treating the mental health of athletes, as well as stimulate further research and interventions in the future.
Context
Despite the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, athletic programs have sought ways to persevere and deliver sport programming. This process has strained the psychosocial health of all sport stakeholders, but especially those entrusted with promoting the health of participants and enforcing safety protocols. Athletic trainers (ATs) have made a major impact in striving towards these goals by expanding their typical roles to lead the way in promoting the safe delivery of sport programs.
Objective
To examine the psychosocial lived experiences of ATs as they practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design
Qualitative
Setting
NCAA Division I, II, and III
Patients or Other Participants
27 ATs practicing at the collegiate level (Division I, II, and III) who were actively involved in planning and implementing return-to-sport protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data Collection and Analysis
Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom. Inductive conventional content analysis identified emerging themes that characterized participants' narratives. Three members of the research team participated in the analysis process and utilized field notes, continuous member checking, peer-review, and multiple researcher triangulation to establish data credibility and confirmability.
Results
Analysis yielded three higher order themes related to ATs' psychosocial lived experiences: 1) Internalized Experience; 2) Interpersonal Interactions; 3) AT Identity. Several sub-themes were also identified to further organize elements that characterized or differentiated participants' lived experiences.
Conclusions
This study revealed that ATs experienced significant challenges in maintaining their psychosocial health during the pandemic as they strived to assist others in this regard.
Providing effective psychological and social support resources and strategies for ATs may allow them to not only better support themselves, but also may enhance their ability to deliver professional services and promote psychosocial health among their athletes and other stakeholders within their respective sport systems in the future.
Objective:
This systematic review aims to understand the problems associated with lockdown and the various conditions of Covid-19 infection and to help prepare athletes and exercise enthusiasts for the safe resumption of sport in a manner that promotes wellness, healthy competition, and a sports industry that survives the current situation. This systematic review was carried out, following the recommendations of the currently pre-established reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The following databases were consulted: ISI Web of Science (WOS), Scopus and Google Scholar. This review includes a total of 19 articles.
News:
The results are presented based on three predominant themes: (1) psychological impact produced by SARS-CoV-2; (2) post-Covid-19 cardiac abnormalities and (3) protocols for an adequate return to physical practice.
Prospects and projects:
Most of the protocols shown by the various papers are consistent in terms of duration and number of phases. Based on this, the safe return to practice protocol can be divided into four stages of seven days in each phase in order to progress according to the symptoms perceived. In each phase, the physiological demand and efforts necessary to cover the proposed activities are increased until optimal physical condition is recovered.
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Das menschliche Immunsystem ist ein hoch komplexes Netzwerk von Zellen und Molekülen, das den Mensch frei von Infektionen und Krankheiten halten soll. Epidemiologische Studien belegen, dass ein körperlicher aktiver Lebensstil die Inzidenz übertragbarer (z. B. bakterieller und viraler Infektionen) und nicht-übertragbarer Krankheiten (z. B. Krebs, Arteriosklerosefolgeerkrankungen, Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen, Diabetes, kognitive Beeinträchtigungen und Fettleibigkeit) verringert. Demzufolge hat körperliche Aktivität im Sinne von Übung, Training und (Leistungs-)Sport einen tiefgreifenden Einfluss auf die normale Funktion des Immunsystems. Die Immunkompetenz kann demnach durch regelmäßige körperliche Aktivität verbessert werden. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass die kardiorespiratorische Fitness und die regelmäßige körperliche Aktivität mit moderater bis anstrengender Intensität zum Beispiel die Immunantworten auf Impfungen verbessert, chronische Entzündungen und unterschiedliche Immunmarker bei verschiedenen Krankheitszuständen positiv beeinflussen kann, wie zum Beispiel Krebs-, HIV- und Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen, Diabetes mellitus, kognitive Beeinträchtigungen und Fettleibigkeit. Die belastungsinduzierte immunologische Stressregulation, hervorgerufen durch körperliche Aktivität bei akuten Belastungen, induziert eine intensitätsabhängige biphasische Leukozytose (Lymphozyten und Neutrophile Granulozyten), begleitet von einer Umverteilung von Effektorzellen in die peripheren Gewebe. Diese immunregulatorischen Prozesse der unmittelbaren Sofortreaktion und der verzögerten immunologischen Regulation resultieren aus der Aktivierung des sympathischen Nervensystems (Freisetzung Katecholamine) und der Hypothalamus-Hypophyse-Nebennieren-Achse (Freisetzung Glukokortikoide) sowie der damit verbundenen erhöhten Blutzirkulation. Im Kontext dieser belastungsinduzierten immunologischen Regulation ist das Infektionsrisiko von Sporttreibenden ein klinisch-gesundheitliches und (leistungs-)sportrelevantes Thema. Es kann davon ausgegangen werden, dass körperliches Üben und Trainieren nicht per se das Risiko für eine Infektion der oberen Atemwege erhöht, sondern auch protektive Effekte einer verbesserten Immunantwort auf bakterielle und virale oder andere Antigene zu erwarten sind. Dafür ist eine Balance unterschiedlicher Faktoren (z. B. Schlaf, Ernährung, psychischer Stress, Überlastung) notwendig, welche ebenfalls die angeborene und adaptive Immunität beeinflussen. Darüber hinaus ist es durch regelmäßige körperliche Aktivität und Training möglich, das immunologische Altern und die damit verbundene veränderte Immunkompetenz positiv zu beeinflussen. Dieser Beitrag ist Teil der Sektion Sportmedizin, herausgegeben vom Teilherausgeber Holger Gabriel, innerhalb des Handbuchs Sport und Sportwissenschaft, herausgegeben von Arne Güllich und Michael Krüger.
Background:
Cardiopulmonary functions of athletes can be affected by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate athletes' pattern of returning to sports after COVID-19, their experience of COVID-19-associated symptoms, and the disturbance in sports performance caused by the symptoms.
Methods:
Elite university athletes who were infected with COVID-19 in 2022 were recruited for the survey and the data for 226 respondents were analyzed. Information about COVID-19 infection and the degree of disturbance in ordinary training and competition was collected. Their returning pattern to sports, the prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms, the degree of disturbance in sports by related symptoms, and factors associated with disturbance in sports and fatigue were analyzed.
Results:
Results showed that 53.5% of the analyzed athletes returned to ordinary training immediately after quarantine, while 61.5% experienced disturbance in ordinary training, and 30.9% experienced that in competition. Most prevalent COVID-19 symptoms were lack of energy, easy fatiguability and cough. Disturbance in ordinary training and competition were mainly related to generalized, cardiologic, and respiratory symptoms. Women and those with severe and generalized symptoms had significantly higher odds of experiencing disturbance in training. Those with cognitive symptoms had higher odds of being "fatigue case."
Conclusions:
More than half of the athletes returned immediately to sports after the legal quarantine period of COVID-19 infection and experienced disturbance in ordinary training by related symptoms. Prevalent COVID-19 symptoms and the associated factors causing disturbance in sports and fatigue case were also revealed. This study will be helpful to establish the safe return guidelines essential for athletes after COVID-19.
This study investigates the relationship between the individual characteristics of athletes and the perceived impact of COVID-19 on their daily lives and athletic activities. Participants were 476 Japanese athletes (250 males and 226 females; mean age = 28.39 ± 6.53 years) registered as respondents at an Internet research company and who met the athletic-related inclusion criteria. The investigation took place from the 6th–13th April 2020, just before the Japanese government declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants answered questions related to socio-demographic variables, the impact of COVID-19 on daily life and athletic activities and completed the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. The results showed that the emergency declaration area, marital status, and gender were directly related to annual income, and that they indirectly influenced the impact of COVID-19 on athletes’ daily lives and athletic activities through annual income. Additionally, although a state of emergency being declared in the region impacted the daily lives of all participants and their athletic activities, unmarried and female athletes with low incomes were among the most affected by COVID-19-related measures.
Emerging adulthood is a period rife with uncertainty, even prior to COVID-19. Research suggests college athletes may be better adept at managing COVID-related challenges. Thus, we interviewed 16 U.S. college athletes to better understand their experiences related to uncertainty and uncertainty management. We found college athletes, who had to balance both academics and sports, experienced uncertainty related to health, academics, interpersonal relationships, and careers. Using the lens of uncertainty management theory (UMT), we found most college athletes viewed uncertainty negatively, attempting to reduce it via seeking social support and information, establishing schedules, and protecting against COVID. However, others learned to adapt to ambiguity by controlling what they could control and focusing on COVID’s positives. By adapting, college athletes were able to build resilience, informing strategies other emerging adults can use not only to navigate a global pandemic, but the unexpected challenges and adversity inherent in emerging adulthood.
At a global scale COVID-19 has impacted virtually every single one of us. For many people one of the most significant impacts has been the changes to the way we use our leisure time; both for our own personal exercise and how we interact with professional sport. This chapter will explore these changes by drawing on three case studies. First, at a local scale it will consider the changing everyday geographies of sport and leisure as a consequence of the restrictions imposed on parks, gyms and recreational sports facilities. Second, nationally, golf provides an insightful case study as it was one of the first sports to be deemed viable again post-lockdown, both recreationally and professionally. Third, at the global scale, Formula 1 has been required to adapt, turning initially to e-sport racing as an alternative to conventional motor racing. Through these case studies this chapter will discuss how the spaces that are used for sport have evolved in response to COVID-19, how new spaces have emerged and how previously minor sports cultures have come to the fore.KeywordsExerciseGolfFormula 1SpaceEsports
O livro é um enfrentamento e uma reflexão crítica sobre diferentes marcadores sociais estruturantes da nossa vida social (racismo, gênero, classe social, educação e saúde, esporte e lazer, entre outros). A obra se constitui de duas partes: na primeira, quatro personalidades que transcendem suas especificidades disciplinares, com reconhecimento nacional e internacional, discorrem sobre os temas e questões sociais fundamentais e uma segunda em que pesquisadores das ciências do esporte trazem o conhecimento avançado de seus grupos de trabalho na tentativa de estimular o pensamento crítico e o engajamento ao pensamento democrático.
MS) For more on the mental health of athletes see
IOC Research Centre of
South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa (MS)
For more on the mental health
of athletes see Br J Sports Med
2020; 54: 216-20
athletemental-health-and-mentalillness-in-the-era-of-covid-19-shifting-focus-a-new-reality/