1
|
Firouzjah MH, Hower H, Shahrbanian S. Associations between physical activity, mental health concerns, eating disorder symptoms, and emotional intelligence in adolescent athletes transitioning from COVID-19. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:2. [PMID: 38169446 PMCID: PMC10759499 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00961-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well known that COVID-19 significantly disrupted the routines of school sports for adolescent athletes. In transitioning from this "change event," athletes may need support with resuming their pre-pandemic level of activities, and addressing their ongoing mental health concerns, including exacerbated eating disorder symptoms. Emotional intelligence (the ability to understand emotions, influencing decisions and motivation) is a factor that has not yet been studied during this transition, but may serve as a coping mechanism for altered physical activity, mental health, and eating disorder symptoms. METHODS Participants of the study included 315 Iranian adolescent athletes who transitioned back to 1 of 10 sports post quarantine restrictions (January 2022-January 2023). Physical activity and related stages of motivation for behavioral change were assessed by the Physical Activity Stages of Change Questionnaire, mental health concerns were assessed by the General Health Questionnaire-28, eating disorder symptoms were assessed by the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and emotional intelligence was assessed by the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test. RESULTS A three-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was conducted in order to test the overall differences between the 5 physical activity and behavioral change motivation groups (Pre-Contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance) on each of the 3 health measures (mental health concerns, eating disorder symptoms, and emotional intelligence); significant main effects were found for each measure. Fischer's Least Significant Difference Post-Hoc Test indicated that there were significant differences between the Pre-Contemplation and Preparation groups, as well as the Preparation and Action groups, on all of the health measure mean variable scores, which contributed to the MANOVA significant main effects. CONCLUSIONS Participants in the Pre-Contemplation group (not intending to make behavioral changes within the next 6 months) had less mental health, higher eating pathology, and lower emotional intelligence, compared to participants who were in the Preparation group (intending to make behavioral changes within the next 1 month). Similarly, participants in the Preparation group had less mental health, higher eating pathology, and lower emotional intelligence, compared to participants who were in the Action group (has made specific, overt behavioral changes within the preceding 6 months). Overall, the findings from the current study highlight the need for sports professionals working with adolescent athletes transitioning from COVID-19 to monitor these aspects of mental, eating, and emotional health. Given that those in earlier motivation stages had more health concerns compared to those in later stages, professionals should encourage progression from the Pre-Contemplation to Action/Maintenance stage in order to improve health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather Hower
- Department of Psychiatry, Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, 4510 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Shahnaz Shahrbanian
- Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
AlSamhori JF, Alshrouf MA, AlSamhori ARF, Alshadeedi FM, Madi AS, Alzoubi O. Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on athletes, sports events, and mass gathering events: Review and recommendations. SPORTS MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2023; 5:165-173. [PMID: 37753427 PMCID: PMC10518794 DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), which caused several respiratory diseases, was formally declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, it affected the lifestyle and health of athletes, both directly through cardiorespiratory and other health related effects, and indirectly as the pandemic has forced the suspension, postponement, or cancellation of most professional sporting events around the world. In this review, we explore the journey of athletes throughout the pandemic and during their return to their competitive routine. We also highlight potential pitfalls during the process and summarize the recommendations for the optimal return to sport participation. We further discuss the impact of the pandemic on the psychology of athletes, the variance between the team and individual athletes, and their ability to cope with the changes. Moreover, we specifically reviewed the pandemic impact on younger professional athletes in terms of mental and fitness health. Finally, we shaded light on the various impacts of mass gathering events and recommendations for managing upcoming events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Ali Alshrouf
- Medical Internship, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang R, Wang C. Risk perception of COVID-19 and its related factors among centralized medical isolation groups in China. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1131076. [PMID: 36818133 PMCID: PMC9929357 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1131076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Medical isolation is one of the most effective measures to slow the spread of the virus when dealing with a pandemic. Millions of people in China have undergone centralized medical isolation (CMI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to assess the centralized medical isolation group's COVID-19 risk perception and to explore the influencing factors. Methods A total of 400 participants (200 who had experienced CMI and 200 who had not experienced) completed a questionnaire related to COVID-19 risk perceptions. The questionnaire was designed with the Cognitive-Experiential Self-Theory (CEST) and the Common Sense Model of Risk Perception (CSM). It adopted nine questions to measure risk perception in terms of Emotional feelings, Cognitive judgment, and Mental representation of unusual severity. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted with SPSS 26.0 software. Results The mean risk perception score for the CMI group was 30.75, with a standard deviation of 7.503, which was significantly higher than that in the non-centralized medical isolation (NCMI) group (risk perception score was 28.2, and the standard deviation was 7.129). The results show that risk perceptions were higher for older age, risk perceptions were higher for higher education, risk perceptions were higher for those who had received the COVID-19 vaccination, and risk perceptions were higher for those who lived in a family with children. Conclusion Risk perception is significantly higher in CMI groups than in NCMI groups. The government should draw more care to the risk perception and psychological wellbeing of the CMI group and provide extra support and assistance to the elderly and those raising younger children. In dealing with future pandemics like the COVID-19 outbreak, the government should actively guide the public to properly isolate at home and cautiously implement a CMI policy.
Collapse
|
4
|
Deng J, Zhou F, Hou W, Heybati K, Lohit S, Abbas U, Silver Z, Wong CY, Chang O, Huang E, Zuo QK, Moskalyk M, Ramaraju HB, Heybati S. Prevalence of mental health symptoms in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1520:53-73. [PMID: 36537131 PMCID: PMC9880764 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying infection control measures introduced sudden and significant disruptions to the lives of children and adolescents around the world. Given the potential for negative impacts on the mental health of youths as a result of these changes, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbances in children and adolescents during the pandemic. We searched major literature databases for relevant cross-sectional or longitudinal studies that included primary and secondary school students or children and adolescents ≤18 years of age. Prevalence values were extracted, logit-transformed, and pooled. Based on 191 included studies with 1,389,447 children and adolescents, we found the pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbances to be 31%, 31%, and 42%, respectively. Age, grade levels, education levels, gender, geographical regions, and electronics use were correlated with the prevalence of mental health symptoms. The prevalence of mental health symptoms also increased with time, although signs of recovery and stabilization were also observed. Overall, the results from this review demonstrate the need for increased mental health research, monitoring, and intervention for children and adolescents during the current and future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Deng
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fangwen Zhou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenteng Hou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kiyan Heybati
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic (Rochester), Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Simran Lohit
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Umaima Abbas
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry (Windsor Campus), University of Western Ontario, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zachary Silver
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chi Yi Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine (Waterloo Regional Campus), McMaster University, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oswin Chang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Physician Assistant Education Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Huang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qi Kang Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Faculty of Science, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Myron Moskalyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harikrishnaa Ba Ramaraju
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Shayan Heybati
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Firoozjah MH, Shahrbanian S, Homayouni A, Hower H. Comparison of eating disorders symptoms and body image between individual and team sport adolescent athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:119. [PMID: 35962428 PMCID: PMC9372990 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00644-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has significantly disrupted the routines of school sports for adolescent athletes, which can affect their usual eating behaviors and body image. Specific pressures of individual sports (which tend to emphasize "leanness" as a means to improving performance), versus team sports (which tend to not require "leanness" for an athlete to be competitive), may further increase the risk of disordered eating (DE), eating disorders (ED), and distorted body image. An additional factor to consider is the gender of the athletes, with participation in "lean" sports associated with increased DE and body dissatisfaction for male, but not female, athletes. METHODS Participants of the study included 124 Iranian male adolescent athletes residing in Mazandaran province (one of the most affected areas of Iran during COVID-19), who played in 1 of 6 sports (3 individual, 3 team). ED symptoms were assessed by the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and body image was assessed by the Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA). RESULTS The individual athlete group (n = 62) had significantly higher EAT-26 subscale scores for Bulimia and Food Preoccupation (p = 0.019), as well as significantly higher BESAA subscale scores for Appearance (p = 0.001), Weight (p = 0.001), and Attribution (p = 0.001), compared to the team athlete group (n = 62). However, there were no significant differences between the two athlete groups on the EAT-26 Dieting and Oral Control subscales. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 presents specialized issues for adolescent athletes, particularly those at risk for, or experiencing, DE, ED, and distorted body image. While individual athletes had significantly higher scores than team athletes on most subscales, there were no differences between groups on subscales of dieting and oral control. Overall, the findings highlight the need for sport psychologists, coaches, and other sports professionals working with male adolescent athletes (individual and team) to monitor DE, ED, and distorted body image during COVID-19, in order to provide early intervention, and mitigate the risk of long-term consequences. COVID-19 has significantly disrupted the routines of school sports for adolescent athletes, which can affect their usual eating behaviors and body image. Specific pressures of individual sports (which tend to emphasize "leanness" as a means to improving performance), versus team sports (which tend to not require "leanness" for an athlete to be competitive), may further increase the risk of disordered eating (DE), eating disorders (ED), and distorted body image. An additional factor to consider is the gender of the athletes, with participation in "lean" sports associated with increased DE and body dissatisfaction for male, but not female, athletes. Participants of the study included 124 Iranian male adolescent athletes in Mazandaran province (one of the most affected areas of Iran during COVID-19), who played in 1 of 6 sports (3 individual, 3 team). The individual athlete group (62 participants) had significantly higher scores on measures of ED (Bulimia, Food Preoccupation), and body image (Appearance, Weight, Attribution), versus the team athlete group (62 participants). However, there were no significant differences between groups on other measures of ED (Dieting, Oral Control). Findings highlight the need for sport professionals working with adolescent athletes to monitor DE and body image during COVID-19 for early intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahnaz Shahrbanian
- Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Al Ahmad Street, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Homayouni
- Department of Psychology, Bandargaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar-e-Gaz Street, Bandargaz, Iran
| | - Heather Hower
- Department of Psychiatry, Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, 4510 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA. .,Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Hassenfeld Child Innovation Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vincent HK, Patel S, Zaremski JL. Impact of COVID on Sports Injury Patterns, Changes in Mental Well-Being, and Strategies to Prepare for Future Pandemics in Sport. Curr Sports Med Rep 2022; 21:196-204. [PMID: 35703746 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This review describes the available evidence of the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, referred to COVID-19) pandemic on musculoskeletal injury patterns and prevalence in athletes. A brief overview of the epidemiology of COVID-19 and prevalence in active populations from youth through professional are provided. Responses to COVID-19 regarding sport participation at regional, national, and international organizations are summarized. Downstream effects of complete or partial training shutdown on injury risk and mental health are discussed. Strategies to maintain athletic potential and overall well-being include maintaining safe access to training facilities and resources, implementation of injury prevention programs, organization of athlete support networks, and incorporation of resilience and coping training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather K Vincent
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jia L, Carter MV, Cusano A, Li X, Kelly JD, Bartley JD, Parisien RL. The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental and Emotional Health of Athletes: A Systematic Review. Am J Sports Med 2022:3635465221087473. [PMID: 35413208 DOI: 10.1177/03635465221087473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused the cancellation or postponement of virtually every sporting event, resulting in training disruptions, income loss, and career uncertainties for athletes around the world. At present, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and emotional health of athletes is not well understood. PURPOSE To investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and emotional health of athletes and to identify risk factors associated with poor mental health outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify all articles reporting on athletes' mental and emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Articles were selected based on relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study characteristics, athlete demographics, and COVID-19 mental health data (sex-, type of sport-, and level of play-specific differences) were collected from each included article and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 35 studies were included in the final analysis, comprising athletes around the world and across numerous sports and levels of play. Most studies utilized at least 1 validated mental health questionnaire and assessed for outcomes such as depression, anxiety, stress, motivation, and athletic identity. Overall, athletes reported worse mental and emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic, although these effects were attenuated by home training programs and quarantine training camps. Female sex and more elite levels of play were associated with an increased risk for poor mental health outcomes. Type of sport was associated with mixed results, with individual and team sports carrying different increased risks for poor mental and emotional health. Nearly all studies recommended the need for increased psychological support of athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and emotional health of athletes is complex and multifaceted. Increased social interactions with coaches and teammates, continued access to training facilities and mental health professionals, and active utilization of healthy coping mechanisms can improve mental health outcomes for athletes in the era of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lori Jia
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael V Carter
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Xinning Li
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John D Kelly
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Robert L Parisien
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|