Discussion: COVID-19’s impact on sports and athletes

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Elite Swimmers and Water Polo Players: Lessons for the Future

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global daily life, including the world of elite athletes. This paper examines the multifaceted impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on elite swimmers and water polo athletes, specifically their mental health, their concerns over the virus, their intentions of getting vaccinated, and sleep disturbances that they may have faced.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on elite swimmers and water polo players, using an anonymous questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 200 elite athletes participated. The majority of the participants reported a negative impact on their mental health, screened positive for insomnia (n = 107 (53.5%), with females (n = 101; 57.7%), swimmers (n = 100, 66.7%), and university students (n = 71, 71.7%) being more vulnerable (p < 0.001). Concerns about contracting the disease especially during important training or tournament periods and potential career disruption also affected their psychological well-being. While the majority (75%) had the intention of getting vaccinated, an alarming percentage was yet uncertain over its decision.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the significant psychological distress faced by elite aquatic athletes during the pandemic. It emphasizes the difficulties faced by elite swimmers and water polo athletes and determines not only the importance of addressing the vaccination intentions of athletes, but also how critical it is to confront the challenges they face both for their personal health and for the restoration of world sports to their pre-pandemic state. More large-scale studies are required to inform policies targeted at minimizing disruption to the athletes' career, provision of information on preventive measures and vaccination, and improvement in psychological well-being in case of similar major public health issues in the future. Additionally, this study calls for further research to explore the unique challenges faced by aquatic athletes, such as those related to their training environments and fear of contagion, to better support them in future public health crises.

Epidemiology and Sex-Specific Analysis of Basketball-Related Lower Extremity Fractures: A 10-Year Analysis of National Injury Data

BACKGROUND

Basketball-related fractures involving the lower extremities frequently present to emergency departments (ED) in the United States (US). This study aimed to identify the primary mechanisms, distribution, and trends of these injuries.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesize that (1) lower extremity fracture frequency will decrease from 2013 to 2022, (2) the ankle will be the most common fracture site, and (3) noncontact twisting will be the most common injury mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiological.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

METHODS

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for lower extremity fractures from basketball presenting to US EDs from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022. Patient demographics, injury location, and disposition were recorded. The injury mechanism was characterized using the provided narrative. National estimates (NEs) were calculated using the NEISS statistical sample weight. Injury trends were evaluated by linear regression.

RESULTS

There were 6259 cases (NE: 185,836) of basketball-related lower extremity fractures. Linear regression analysis of annual trends demonstrated a significant decrease in lower extremity fractures over the study period (2013-2022: P = 0.01; R2 = 0.64). The most common injury mechanism was a noncontact twisting motion (NE: 49,897, 26.9%) followed by jumping (NE: 39,613, 21.3%). The ankle was the most common fracture site (NE: 69,936, 37.6%) followed by the foot (NE: 49,229, 26.49%). While ankle and foot fractures decreased significantly (P < 0.05), fractures of the lower leg, knee, toe, and upper leg showed no significant trends (P = 0.09, 0.75, 0.07, and 0.85, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Basketball-related lower extremity fractures decreased from 2013 to 2022, with the ankle being the most common fracture site and most fractures arising from a noncontact twist. Increasing utilization of outpatient clinics may have contributed to the decline, particularly for ankle and foot fractures. The prevalence of ankle fractures and twisting-related injuries reinforces the importance of protective footwear and targeted strengthening protocols.

Sports Elite Means Vaccine Elite? Concerns and Beliefs Related to COVID-19 Vaccines among Olympians and Elite Athletes

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the concerns and beliefs of Olympians and elite athletes toward COVID-19 vaccination. (2) Methods: The study was framed by a quantitative method and was conducted using the PAPI (pen and paper interview) technique among 895 Polish elite athletes representing 34 sports. (3) Results: Three-quarters (76.3%) of the athletes were vaccinated against COVID-19; statistically participants were more likely to be women, and athletes who participated in the Olympic Games. Four in ten (39.2%) were in favor of vaccination. Athletes were mainly concerned that COVID-19 would exclude them from training/competition (19.3%) and could have a long-term impact on their health (17.2%). Athletes who were vaccinated reported much higher confidence in the composition of the vaccine and the doctors who recommended vaccination than unvaccinated athletes. Athletes who competed at the Olympic level were more likely than others to disbelieve that vaccines were produced too quickly and were not well tested. National-level athletes showed the highest degree of distrust in the government regarding COVID-19 vaccination, with one in six respondents distrusting doctors with respect to COVID-19 vaccination. Four in ten respondents said they were in favor of vaccination. (4) Conclusions: Athletes' attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination were significantly influenced by their environment-especially coaches and relatives. The power of social norms with respect to the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 was very strong. Therefore, it is essential to build awareness about preventive policies among athletes and their social environment.