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Int J Life Sci Pharma Res. ISSN 2250-0480; SP-14;
Health and Sports Sciences-2021”
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A Special issue on
""Health and Sport Sciences""
February 2021
SP-14/Feb/202
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22376/ijpbs/ijlpr/SP14/jan/2021.1-
In conjunction with
Int J Life Sci Pharma Res. ISSN 2250-0480; SP-14;
Health and Sports Sciences-2021”
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ABOUT THIS SPECIAL ISSUE
If we want to know the importance of exercise in human health, we will see that the beneficial effects of exercise in the
prevention - treatment and control of many cardiovascular and respiratory disorders show that life is more important today.
It is not bad to mention here the statistics of patients with heart diseases and heart attacks, which kill a large number of people
every year, according to the latest research conducted in Turkey, is the highest rate of death from heart disease.
Health and physical ability are divine blessings. Man always wants health and vitality. The happiness of every human being
depends on a force of his body and soul.
For this reason, many researchers and university professors study the effects of exercise on human health and every day we see
new findings from this research. This collection is a very small part of the researchers' findings that are made available to those
interested readers.
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Peer review committee
The following Peer reviewers were appointed by the organisers to review the content of the articles and were confirmed to be
of satisfactory scholastic content after rectification by the respective authors. These reviewers solemnly take the responsibility
of the scholastic and research content along with the organisers and the publishing journal is no way responsible for the same.
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CONTENT (ORIGINAL RESEARCH / REVIEW ARTICLE
S.NO
Page No.
SP-1
7-11
SP-2
12-16
SP-3
17-20
SP-4
21-28
SP-5
29-35
SP-6
36-40
SP-7
41-45
SP-8
46-49
SP-9
50-56
SP-10
57-60
SP-11
61-66
SP-12
67-70
SP-13
71-75
SP-14
76-80
SP-15
81-84
SP-16
85-87
SP-17
88-93
SP-18
94-99
SP-19
100-103
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SP-20
104-109
SP-21
110-115
SP-22
116-118
SP-23
119-122
SP-24
123-128
SP-25
129-132
SP-26
133-138
SP-27
139-143
SP-28
144-149
SP-29
150-155
SP-30
156-163
SP-31
164-167
SP-32
168-174
SP-33
175-178
SP-34
179-181
SP-35
182-187
SP-36
188-193
SP-37
194-100
SP-38
200-203
SP-39
204-210
SP-40
211-216
SP-41
217-221
SP-42
222-227
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SP-43
228-232
SP-44
233-238
SP-45
239-244
SP-46
245-248
SP-47
249-253
SP-48
254-257
SP-49
258-262
SP-50
263-266
SP-51
267-275
SP-52
276-280
SP-53
281-289
SP-54
290-295
SP-55
296-305
Int J Life Sci Pharma Res. ISSN 2250-0480; SP-14;
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SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PROCESS
YASİN KARACA1, METİN CAN KALAYCI2
1.
Assistant Professor, Osmaniye Korkut Ata Universty, College of Applied Sicences, Department of Recreation Management,
Osmaniye, Turkey
2.
Lecturer, Dicle Universty, College of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Coaching Training,
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Corresponding author: yasinkaraca99@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has adversely affected many areas of social life, especially health, economy, education and daily life. COVID-19 also
caused various adversities in sports and sports activities. This study focuses on the effects on individuals doing sports in the
COVID-19 period and sports practices in this period. In this study, in which the literature review method was used, information
about the problems faced by fans, trainers, professional athletes and amateur sports individuals during the COVID-19 period is
presented and some suggestions was made to individuals who do sports.
KEYWORDS: COVID-19, sport, sport activities
INTRODUCTION
Considered as an epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 has rapidly changed daily life from health to
economy, from education to sports, by affecting the whole world. While the world is struggling with COVID-19 in every field, the
world of sports has faced an unprecedented crisis. COVID-19 caused the cancellation of many national and international sports
organizations around the world, postponing all kinds of competitions, keeping amateur athletes away from sports environments,
and quarantining professional athletes.Sports, which is an effective tool for the physical, mental and social strengthening of
individuals and societies, has ceased to be a regular activity of daily life after the epidemic spread throughout the world. COVID-
19 has caused psychological and social problems in individuals who are interested in and somehow connected with sports. Social
isolation and quarantine processes applied due to the epidemic disrupted sports activities of trainers, fans, amateur or professional
athletes and individuals engaged in recreational sports, and kept away from sports environments and sports activities.1 COVID-19
caused disruption of the training and competition programs of athletes.2 Respiratory system and exercise capacity of athletes were
negatively affected by these disruptions caused by COVID-19.3 In addition, the epidemic decreased the maximal and submaximal
exercise performance by limiting the training practices specific to the field of athletes. The limitation negatively impacted the
athletes' aerobic performance, cardiovascular function, and muscle metabolism. Due to the lack of regular training during this
period, athletes suffered major losses at the VO2max level.4 When access to professional facilities and disciplined support teams
were interrupted during the epidemic period, only health measures were taken and the training schedule was tried to be
postponed.5 Regardless of the category, uncertainties regarding the conditions that need to be created to ensure that athletes
avoid physical contact that would endanger them and to allow sports fans to come together as before the epidemic remain
uncertain.6 In the United Nations epidemic report, it was reported that most people were unable to participate in individual or
group physical activities outside of their homes due to the epidemic restricting the areas of physical activity, and these conditions
led most people to be less physically active. The United Nations also reported that the lack of access to physical activity during
the pandemic isolates many people from normal social life and negatively impacts their participation in physical activity.1
Sports Activities During the Epidemic Period
In research, the importance of cleanliness, social distance and necessary health checks in sports areas are emphasized. In addition,
it is stated that it is important for individuals from all walks of life to do physical activity regularly to stay healthy in such times when
most individuals do not have any experience with the epidemic. Physical activity experts indicate that 150-300 minutes of medium-
intensity exercise and 2 sessions of muscle-strengthening exercises per week are very beneficial.1 Studies have shown that regular
physical activity has specific benefits in terms of mental, physical and physiological health parameters and positive health outcomes.7,8
During the epidemic, most individuals can do physical activity at home without the need for any equipment and special space.
There are many options that the individual can stay active in the home environment throughout the day. Simple stretching
movements, household chores, climbing stairs, dancing with music or various exercise movements can be performed. In addition,
individuals with internet access can look for ways to stay active during this period by taking advantage of many free internet
resources. In internet resources, games with physical activity content that are suitable for each individual and can be performed in
small areas can be accessed online.1 This is an indication that technology, which is an important part of daily life and makes life
easier, can be used more effectively in sports activities. Technological innovations have also started to affect people's entertainment
styles, behaviors, needs and values in the sports industry. The use of technology in sports is increasing. This increase in usage
shows that the change in the sports industry in the next decade will be far greater than the previous few decades. At this stage,
issues such as which sports will be more popular after the epidemic, how sports will be
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organized in the future and how to enjoy sports should be emphasized. In addition, the need for deeper interaction and a more
diverse content development to meet the changing behavior and new demographic needs of existing sports and sports enthusiasts
should be on the agenda.9 The epidemic accelerated the digitalization of the sports sector and the integration of technology with
sports. Thanks to the integration of sports with technology, mobile phones that identify and recognize the individual, and
applications that collect personal information, physical activities, training programs, nutrition and motivation programs specific to
the individual have started to help the individual to organize his daily life. Now, thanks to technological tools, trainers can
make individuals do sports activities in front of cameras without any time and place limitations. Thus, technology makes it possible
for individuals to follow their coach from home.10 Although there are good developments of this kind, epidemic problems still
persist. Another problem affecting the sports sector during the epidemic period is the games played with the ball, which are
popular with children and young people. It should be explained to young athletes why the games played with the ball should be
limited in this period. Young people and children should be encouraged to temporarily stop playing ball sports during the epidemic
and instead turn to fun physical activities that help maintain health. This change may not be easy for children and young people.11
Physical activity plays an important role in the socialization of children and young people.12 The loss of social interaction of children
and young people during this period may endanger their peer relationships. Early research findings suggest that the epidemic
increases youth's anxiety, depression and the abuse of time.13,14 Sports and exercise psychologists, physical education teachers and
coaches should be engaged in providing social-psychological support to young athletes (online) during this period. Support during
this period can help young athletes to keep their motivation high. Support can also be obtained from parents and peers in this
process, but these individuals should not be subjected to excessive pressure to maintain social distance.15 Maintaining team spirit
during this period is important for young athletes. Online group meetings can be held at times when they need to get together to
provide team spirit and peer support due to restrictions. Thus, both social distances are maintained and mutual interaction can be
established. Sports psychologists can help athletes develop skills to cope with anxiety, identify athletes who have been adversely
affected by the epidemic or social isolation, and refer those with problems to mental health professionals. The crisis caused by the
epidemic can be turned into an opportunity to help athletes and their families communicate with each other and improve their
family relationships.16 Developments show that the impacts caused by COVID-19 are enormous and deeply affect sports and
individuals interested in sports. Although it is not possible to eliminate the effects of the epidemic, some methods that can be
applied in the process of returning to normal can help reduce the current effect. As part of the normalization process, a framework
is presented below to help do sports activities more risk-free and safe. This framework, it is aimed to reduce the risk of COVID-
19 transmission during sports activities and to raise awareness of the risks that participants may face.
Before Activity
Necessary precautions regarding the epidemic should be taken before starting sports activities. Regular assessments of individuals
participating in or participating in sports activities should be conducted against suspected COVID-19. Athletes should be informed
about the risks that may occur specific to their sport.17 Athletes must comply with epidemic restrictions and avoid risky behavior
in their surroundings to avoid endangering other participants. Athletes should stay away from crowded environments against the
risk of epidemics, prefer private vehicles for transportation, and prefer to walk if possible. In cases where a participant has been
in contact or has been diagnosed with an outbreak, the names and contact information of the participants should be collected and
kept for two weeks, provided that the personal information of the participants is kept confidential, in order to follow the public
health radiation.
During Activity
Attention should be paid to social distance, masks should not be used during the activity, and sharing of personal belongings and
sports equipment should be avoided. It is necessary to have information about how to protect the items and materials used during
the activity against the risk of an epidemic. Materials used in sports activities should be cleaned frequently against the risk of
spreading epidemics. Those who organize sports activities related to the cleaning of the balls used in games played with the ball
should make a risk reduction plan.17 Whether athletes engage in behaviors that facilitate the spread of the epidemic during the
activity should be observed by the activity authorities and, if necessary, these people should be warned. If athletes encounter a
health problem that requires external intervention during the activity, attention should be paid to hygiene and cleanliness, according
to health priority, and the intervener should take measures to protect himself and the athlete. At the end of the intervention,
hands should be cleaned and sterilized with soap or disinfectant type materials.
In Activity Areas
Sports activities should be done outdoors as much as possible. Ventilation systems should be suitable for sports activities in indoor
environments and efficient air filters should be used in these environments. If possible, natural ventilation methods should be
preferred. Air fresheners and perfumes that cause sneezing or coughing should not be used indoors. It should be ensured that
there are as few people as possible in closed environments. Facility staff should be trained on the epidemic. Items such as magazines,
candy, phone chargers in public areas should be removed. Hand disinfectant should be placed at the entry-exit points, and disposable
wet wipes or napkins should be preferred for cleaning when necessary. Participants showing signs of an epidemic should be
reported to healthcare facilities immediately. In addition to usual facility cleaning procedures, frequently touched surfaces should
be disinfected at short intervals. The seating arrangement of the common areas in the facilities should be arranged in accordance
with the distance rule. The usage capacity limits of the changing rooms should be determined. The frequency of cleaning the floors
of sports halls should be increased.17
Fomites in Equipment
In research, it has been proven that the virus can persist for a long time on equipment used in sports activities. Therefore, these
equipments can act as fomit to carry the virus, and in this way COVID-19 can infect participants. Below are some suggestions that
can help participants against fomite risk.
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According to this; First of all, the equipment used in sports activities is defined. What is this equipment and what ingredients
does it contain? How to clean this equipment in the most effective and safest way? The purpose of use, method of use and change
of equipment are learned. Overall use of the equipment can be reduced. Sharing of equipment for personal use can be avoided.
The risk of outbreak transmission during use of the equipment should be estimated. Equipment can be replaced with other
equipment in case of epidemic transmission risk. When necessary, training on the use of equipment against risks can be obtained.17
Risk Assessment
In addition, due to the high number of participants in sports fields, the combative and competitive nature of the sport, the frequency
of physical contact increases the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, the risk assessment should be done based on three
basic variables in sports.15 First, an evaluation of virus droplet transfer should be made. Virus droplet transmission poses a risk
associated with the actions of athletes in activity depending on the duration of sports and physical activity and social distance.
Athletes can predict how risky the movements in the sports environment are. For example, everything from the fight against one
or more people to the initial phase will determine the overall risk level specific to the sport. Second, infection transport and
transmission assessment should be made. Thirdly, the risks that may be encountered during the transportation and transfer of
sports equipment and the number of participants should be evaluated. The number of participants in the sports activity and other
health problems that may be caused by these participants or the previously known risk factors of the participants should be
evaluated. According to this general risk profile, some sports types may be included in the low-risk category. Therefore, returning
to normal in these sports types will be faster and easier. In this process, a comprehensive risk assessment should be made in line
with the action plan for protection from the epidemic by performing all sports activities in accordance with the procedures for
protection from the epidemic. Particular attention should be paid to individuals under 18 and vulnerable adults who are less
conscious of social distancing.17
CONCLUSION
As a result, these measures to be taken in environments where sports activities are carried out aim to minimize any direct or
indirect contact of sports participants in order to protect them from the epidemic. Considering this main theme, all kinds of
measures that can be taken both individually and institutionally play an important role in preventing negligence related to the
pandemic. The main purpose here is to do sports activities safely during the pandemic process and to make the most of the
benefits of sports. Therefore, in order to reduce the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports activities and to continue to
benefit from the benefits of sports, sports psychologists, trainers and athletes should cooperate and fight altogether. In order to
protect the health of individuals who do sports regardless of their sports category or any age group and to ensure their
participation in sports at all levels, it is recommended that every individual participating in sports activities or participating in sports
environments avoid attitudes and behaviors that will increase the negative effects of the pandemic.
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Purpose: Reducing the spread of infectious disease during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted recommendations for individuals to limit physical contact with others and engage in social distancing. Less is known about why youth are engaging in social distancing and how these motivations are connected with their engagement, mental health, and social health. Using a large sample of adolescents from across the United States, this study examined adolescents’ motivations for social distancing, their engagement in social distancing, and their mental and social health. Methods: Data were collected March 29th and 30th 2020, two-weeks after COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in the United States. The sample consisted of 683 adolescents recruited using social media. A series of multiple linear regressions examined unique associations among adolescents’ motivations to engage in social distancing, social distancing behaviors, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, burdensomeness, and belongingness. Results: The most commonly reported motivations for social distancing concerned social responsibility and not wanting others to get sick. Motivations concerning state or city lockdowns, parental rules, and social responsibility were associated with greater social distancing, whereas motivations concerning no alternatives were associated with less social distancing. Engagement in social distancing was not significantly associated with adolescents’ mental or social health. However, specific motivations for social distancing were differentially associated with adolescents’ anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, burdensomeness, and belongingness. Conclusions: Understanding adolescents’ motivations to engage in social distancing may help inform strategies to increase social distancing engagement, reduce pathogen transmission, and improve mental and social health during pandemics.
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Physical activity (PA) participation differs by ethnicity, but contributing factors and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes related to these disparities are not well understood. We determined whether health beliefs regarding the benefit of PA contribute to ethnic differences in participation and assessed how these differences impact CV mortality. The Dallas Heart Study is a longitudinal study of CV health. We assessed PA participation and health perceptions by questionnaire among 3,018 African American, Hispanic, and white men and women at baseline visit (2000-2002). Participant mortality was obtained through 2008 using the National Death Index. African Americans (odds ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.53-0.80) and Hispanics (odds ratio 0.34, 95% CI 0.26-0.45) were less likely to be physically active compared with whites even after accounting for income, educational status, age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Beliefs regarding the benefits of PA did not contribute to this disparity, as >94% of individuals felt PA was effective in preventing a heart attack across ethnicity. Physical activity participation was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.46-0.93) and CV disease death (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.97) in multivariable adjusted models. Similar results were seen when restricting to African Americans (CV disease death, HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.31-1.05). Ethnic minorities reported less PA participation, and lack of PA was associated with higher CV mortality overall and among African Americans. Health perception regarding the benefits of PA did not contribute to this difference, indicating there are other ethnic-specific factors contributing to physical inactivity that require future study.
Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1·2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: A cross-sectional study
  • S R Chekroud
  • R Gueorguieva
  • A B Zheutlin
  • M Paulus
  • H M Krumholz
  • J H Krystal
  • A M Chekroud
Chekroud SR, Gueorguieva R, Zheutlin AB, Paulus M, Krumholz HM, Krystal JH, Chekroud AM. (2018). Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1·2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: A cross-sectional study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(9): 739-746. doi: /10.1016/S2215-0366