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Szymski D, Weber H, Anzer G, Alt V, Meyer T, Gärtner BC, Krutsch W. Contact times in professional football before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Tracking data from the German Bundesliga. Eur J Sport Sci 2023; 23:460-467. [PMID: 35076328 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2032837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to a lockdown in team sports in March 2020. Because the risk of virus transmission seems to correlate with the duration of close contacts, data on contact times are necessary to assess the risk of virus transmission in sports. In this study, an optical tracking system was used to determine contact times between players of the two highest men's professional football leagues in Germany in the 2019-20 season and in the first half of the 2020-21 season. Contacts between players were defined as being within a two-metre radius during matches and were differentiated as either match-specific or non-match-specific. In total, 918 matches with 197,087 contacts were analysed. The mean overall contact time of one-to-one situations of 36 s (SD: ± 66) before the lockdown was reduced to 30 s after the lockdown (SD: ± 60) (p < 0.0001). In professional football, contacts between two players infrequently occur within a two-metre radius, averaging less than 35 s. Only 36 player pair contacts lasted for more than 15 min (0.00018%). The mean accumulated contact time per player with all others was 10.6 ± 6.9 min per match, with a decrease from 11.6 ± 7.0 min before the lockdown to 10.0 ± 6.6 min (p < 0.0001) after lockdown in the season 2019-20. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in a reduction in match-specific contacts of 25%. It seems questionable if such short contacts in open-air sports may lead to considerable virus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Szymski
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Weber
- Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Sportec Solutions AG, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Gabriel Anzer
- Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Sportec Solutions AG, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Volker Alt
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tim Meyer
- Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.,FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Barbara C Gärtner
- Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Werner Krutsch
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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2
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Rico-Díaz J, Río-Rodríguez D, Gómez-Varela J, Martín-Acero R. Handball Training and Competition With Facemasks in Galicia: The FISICOVID-DXTGALEGO Protocols Experience. Front Psychol 2022; 13:851732. [PMID: 35465546 PMCID: PMC9022707 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.851732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective COVID-19 caused a complete stop in non-professional sports. The use of face masks for team sports is not a widely used measure in non-professional sports. The study aimed to evaluate the perception about using the mask and the adaptation difficulties related to training and competition in team sports following the FISICOVID-DXTGALEGO protocol. Methods Seven hundred eighty-seven handball players from the Galician Handball Federation were followed during their return to participation after months of confinement through an electronic questionnaire of perception and experience on the use of a mask. Results There is an excellent adaptation to the mask in training and competition with medium and high correlations. The 86,41% of players reported an adaptation to the mask in 3 weeks with a three times a week training frequency. The negative opinion on the mask was drastically reduced (-66.86%) after use. The 80,44% of players considered the use of a mask as an essential measure to resume competitions. Conclusions It is very feasible to adapt to training and compete with a mask (hygienic or surgical) in a short period. The use of a mask following these protocols changed previous opinions on the disadvantages of the mask during training and competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rico-Díaz
- Facultade de Ciencias da Educación, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Dan Río-Rodríguez
- Grupo de Aprendizaje y Control del Movimiento Humano, Facultade de Ciencias do Deporte e a Educación Física, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- ATP Entrenamiento Personal, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Joaquín Gómez-Varela
- Grupo de Aprendizaje y Control del Movimiento Humano, Facultade de Ciencias do Deporte e a Educación Física, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rafael Martín-Acero
- Grupo de Aprendizaje y Control del Movimiento Humano, Facultade de Ciencias do Deporte e a Educación Física, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
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Mohr M, Sjúrðarson T, Leifsson EN, Randers MB, Knudsen NS, Thomasen MMD, Panduro J, Larsen MN, Andersen TB, Krustrup P. The Faroe Islands COVID-19 Recreational Football Study: Player-to-Player Distance, Body-to-Body Contact, Body-to-Ball Contact and Exercise Intensity during Various Types of Football Training for Both Genders and Various Age Groups. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6822385. [PMID: 35309166 PMCID: PMC8931175 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6822385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We determined player-to-player distance, body-to-ball contact, and exercise intensity during three training modalities in various football populations. 213 participants were recruited, ranging from 9-year-old boys to young men and 11-year-old girls to middle-aged women. All groups were analysed with video-filming and GPS-based Polar Pro monitors during three types of football training for 20 min, i.e., COVID-19-modified training (CMT) with >2-metre player-to-player distance, small-sided games (SSG), and simulated match-play with normal rules (SMP), in randomised order. Time spent in a danger zone (1.5 m) per-percent-infected-player (DZ PPIP) ranged from 0.015 to 0.279% of playing time. DZ PPIP for SSG was higher (P < 0.05) than CMT and SMP. The average number of contacts (within 1.5 m) with a potentially infected player ranged from 12 to 73 contacts/hour. SSG had more (P < 0.05) contacts than CMT and SMP, with SMP having a higher (P < 0.05) number of contacts than CMT. Time/contact ranged from 0.87 to 3.00 seconds for the groups. No player-to-player and body-to-ball touches were registered for CMT. Total player-to-player contacts were 264% higher (P < 0.05) in SSG than SMP, ranging from 80 to 170 and 25 to 56 touches, respectively. In all groups, a greater total distance was covered during SMP compared to CMT (38-114%; P < 0.05). All groups performed more high-intensity running (33-54%; P < 0.05) and had higher heart rates during SMP compared to CMT. Different types of football training all appear to exert a minor COVID-19 infection risk; however, COVID-19-modified training may be safer than small-sided game training, but also match-play. In contrast, exercise intensity is lower during COVID-19-modified training than match-play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magni Mohr
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Centre of Health Science, Faculty of Health, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Tórur Sjúrðarson
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Centre of Health Science, Faculty of Health, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Eli N. Leifsson
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Centre of Health Science, Faculty of Health, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Morten B. Randers
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - Nikolas Sten Knudsen
- Section for Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jeppe Panduro
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Malte Nejst Larsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Thomas Bull Andersen
- Section for Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Krustrup
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, UK
- Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Faude O, Müller S, Schreiber S, Müller J, Nebiker L, Beaudouin F, Meyer T, Egger F. A video-based analysis of situations bearing the risk of respiratory disease transmission during football matches. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3034. [PMID: 35194146 PMCID: PMC8863802 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07121-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to analyze the number and type of contacts involving the risk of respiratory disease transmission during football match play. We analysed 50 matches from different playing levels. Two reviewers evaluated the contacts of all players in each match. We focused on between-player contacts, crowding, actions with potentially increased aerosol and droplet production and within-player hand-to-head contacts. We categorized the duels with direct contact into frontal and other ones and measured contact duration. The number of between-player contacts were similar between playing levels (median 28.3 [IQR 22.6, 33] contacts per player-hour). Frontal contacts summed up to 8% of all contacts. Contacts involving the head occurred less than once per player and match with none lasting longer than 3 s. Crowding included between two and six players and the duration was mostly less than 10 s. Aerosol and droplet producing activities were three to four times more frequent in adult compared to youth players. Our results suggest that the risk of respiratory pathogen transmission is low during football matches. This conclusion is based on the finding that most close contact situations are of short duration and on the fact that it is an outdoor sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Faude
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Simon Müller
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schreiber
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jonas Müller
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Lukas Nebiker
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Beaudouin
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Florian Egger
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
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5
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Schreiber S, Faude O, Gärtner B, Meyer T, Egger F. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from on-field player contacts in amateur, youth and professional football (soccer). Br J Sports Med 2022; 56:158-164. [PMID: 34663570 PMCID: PMC8526192 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk of transmission among potentially infectious SARS-CoV-2-positive football players while participating in training or matches at amateur, youth and professional levels. METHODS Between August 2020 and March 2021, football players who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and participated in matches or training during the period of potential contagiousness were identified through media search (professional level) and a nationwide registry in Germany (amateur and youth level) to determine symptoms, source of infection and hygiene measures adopted. The definition of potentially infectious players was based on the time of a positive PCR testing and symptom onset. Transmission-relevant contacts on the pitch were evaluated through doubly reviewed video analysis. RESULTS Out of 1247 identified football matches and training sessions (1071 amateur and youth level, 176 professional level), 104 cases (38 training sessions, 66 matches) with 165 potentially infectious players were detected. Follow-up PCR testing at the professional level (44 cases) revealed no transmission. At the amateur and youth level, the combination of partial PCR testing (31 of 60 cases) and symptom monitoring within 14 days post-exposure (46 of 60 cases) identified 2 of 60 matches in which follow-up infections occurred that were attributed to non-football activities. This is consistent with the video analysis of 21 matches demonstrating frontal contacts were <1 per player-hour (88%, 30 of 34 players), each lasting no longer than 3 s. CONCLUSION On-field transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 in football is very low. Sources of infections in football players are most likely not related to activities on the pitch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schreiber
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Oliver Faude
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Gärtner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Universitatsklinikum des Saarlandes und Medizinische Fakultat der Universitat des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Florian Egger
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
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Taim BC, Suppiah HT, Wee J, Lee M, Lee JKW, Chia M. Palatable Flavoured Fluids without Carbohydrates and Electrolytes Do Not Enhance Voluntary Fluid Consumption in Male Collegiate Basketball Players in the Heat. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124197. [PMID: 34959749 PMCID: PMC8706432 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Using palatable fluids to enhance drinking in athletes who display insufficient compensatory hydration behaviour may mitigate the risks of hypohydration and performance deficits. However, it is unclear whether flavour can independently enhance fluid consumption. This study examined the effects of a colourless, artificially sweetened flavoured water (FW), without carbohydrates and with negligible amounts of sodium, compared to plain water (W) on fluid consumption in male collegiate basketball players in a practical game setting. Eighteen male basketball players (age 23.1 ± 1.3 years) played a 3v3 basketball small-sided game. The players were randomly assigned to consume either FW or W. Pre-game urine-specific gravity, fluid consumption, body mass, and hedonic taste perceptions were assessed. Basketball performance was analysed through notational analysis. Ratings of perceived exertion and thirst were recorded at pre-, post-game, and at each rest period. Heart rate was recorded throughout the gameplay. Despite significantly higher hedonic ratings for FW than W (6.78 ± 0.83 vs. 5.56 ± 1.33, p = 0.033, d = 1.36), there were no significant differences in fluid consumption (1083 ± 32 mL vs. 1421 ± 403 mL, p = 0.068, d = 0.92). Our result highlighted that using palatable fluids as a strategy to increase fluid consumption during high-intensity gameplay in the heat may not be effective if used without carbohydrates and electrolytes. Practitioners could consider both fluid palatability and composition in establishing a hydration plan for athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Cherianne Taim
- Physical Education and Sports Science Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637616, Singapore;
| | - Haresh T. Suppiah
- National Youth Sports Institute, Singapore 397778, Singapore; (H.T.S.); (J.W.); (M.L.)
- Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Jericho Wee
- National Youth Sports Institute, Singapore 397778, Singapore; (H.T.S.); (J.W.); (M.L.)
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Marcus Lee
- National Youth Sports Institute, Singapore 397778, Singapore; (H.T.S.); (J.W.); (M.L.)
| | - Jason K. W. Lee
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
- Global Asia Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119076, Singapore
- N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 117609, Singapore
| | - Michael Chia
- Physical Education and Sports Science Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637616, Singapore;
- Correspondence:
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Spinicci M, Pengue L, Bartolozzi D, Quercioli M, Epifani F, Pollini S, Zammarchi L, Maria Rossolini G, Bartoloni A. Soccer in the time of COVID-19: 1 year report from an Italian top league club, March 2020-February 2021. Epidemiol Infect 2021; 149:e207. [PMID: 34494512 PMCID: PMC8458845 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268821002065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the events of an Italian top league soccer club that took place in 1 year (from March 2020 to February 2021) at the time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In early March 2020, just before sport competitions were called off due to the national lockdown in Italy, the team, which included 27 players and 26 staff at the time, faced a COVID-19 outbreak, with 16 confirmed and seven probable cases, including three staff members who had to be hospitalised. In May 2020, at the resumption of the training sessions, a high prevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G positivity (35/53, 66%) was detected among the members of the group. In the following months, sport activities were organised behind closed doors with stringent risk mitigation procedures in place. As of February 2021, only two new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were detected within the group, against more than 3500 nasopharyngeal swabs and 1000 serological tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Spinicci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Pengue
- Sports Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Bartolozzi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Simona Pollini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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