1
|
Deng S, Yin M, Chen Z, Deng J, Wang Z, Li Y, Lyu M, Zhang B, Zhu S, Hu S, Nassis GP, Li Y. SARS-CoV-2 infection decreases cardiorespiratory fitness and time-trial performance even two months after returning to regular training - Insights from a longitudinal case series of well-trained kayak athletes. J Exerc Sci Fit 2024; 22:350-358. [PMID: 39027081 PMCID: PMC11255366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The aims of this study were to examine the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and time-trial performance in vaccinated well-trained young kayak athletes. Methods This is a longitudinal observational study. Sixteen (7 male, 9 female) vaccinated kayakers underwent body composition assessment, maximal graded exercise test, and 1000-m time-trial tests 21.9 ± 1.7 days before and 66.0 ± 2.2 days after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The perception of training load was quantified with Borg's CR-10 scale before and after the infection return to sport period. Results There were significant decreases in peak oxygen uptake (-9.7 %; effect size [ES] = 1.38), peak oxygen pulse (-5.7 %; ES = 0.96), and peak heart rate (-1.9 %; ES = 0.61). Peak minute ventilation, and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope were unchanged after infection compared to the pre-infection values. In the entire 1000-m, the impaired tendencies were found in completion time, mean power, and mean speed (-2.4 to 1.2 %; small ESs = -0.40 to 0.47) as well as significant changes in stroke rate and stroke length (-4.5 to 3.7 %; ESs = -0.60 to 0.73). Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 infection decreased CRF and time-trial performance even two months after return to regular training in vaccinated athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengji Deng
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Mingyue Yin
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhili Chen
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfeng Deng
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxi Li
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengde Lyu
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Boyi Zhang
- Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, German
- Exercise and Health Technology Center, Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoqiang Zhu
- Jiangxi Water Sports Administration Center, Administration of Sports of Jiangxi, Nanchang, China
| | - Shenggui Hu
- Jiangxi Water Sports Administration Center, Administration of Sports of Jiangxi, Nanchang, China
| | - George P. Nassis
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Yongming Li
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nantakool S, Sa-nguanmoo P, Konghakote S, Chuatrakoon B. Effects of Exercise Rehabilitation on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Long-COVID-19 Survivors: A Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3621. [PMID: 38930148 PMCID: PMC11204731 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Poor cardiorespiratory fitness poses the highest risk of mortality. Long-COVID-19 survivors exhibit a reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). While exercise rehabilitation, such as cardiopulmonary exercise, is used for long-COVID-19 survivors, the effects of exercise on CRF in this population remain inconclusive. In this study, we aim to systematically summarise and synthesise whether exercise rehabilitation improves CRF among long-COVID-19 survivors. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed through PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library (since their inception to November 2023) and study reference lists. Studies presenting the effects of exercise rehabilitation on CRF (peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and six-minute walk distance (6MWD)) in long-COVID-19 survivors were identified. The standardised mean difference (SMD), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for analyses. The certainty of evidence was measured using a Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Results: Twelve eligible studies (five RCTs and seven non-RCTs) with 682 participants were analysed. The meta-analysis showed significantly improved 6MWDs (MD 76.47, 95% CI 59.19-93.71, low certainty) and significantly greater 6MWDs (SMD 0.85, 95% CI 0.11-1.59, very low certainty) in the exercise rehabilitation group compared to the control group. A significantly improved 6MWD was found in subgroups of young to middle-aged adults and subgroups of patients who undertook aerobic exercise combined with resistance and respiratory exercise and centre-based training programs. Conclusions: Exercise rehabilitation is effective for improving CRF, as measured by the 6MWD in long-COVID-19 survivors. Improvements are likely to be more pronounced in specific subgroups of young to middle-aged adults and patients undertaking aerobic exercise combined with resistance and respiratory exercise and centre-based training programs. However, recommendations for clinical practice are limited due to the very low evidence certainty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sothida Nantakool
- Environmental-Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Piangkwan Sa-nguanmoo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.S.-n.); (S.K.)
| | - Supatcha Konghakote
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.S.-n.); (S.K.)
| | - Busaba Chuatrakoon
- Environmental-Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.S.-n.); (S.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Widmann M, Gaidai R, Schubert I, Grummt M, Bensen L, Kerling A, Quermann A, Zacher J, Vollrath S, Bizjak DA, Beckendorf C, Egger F, Hasler E, Mellwig KP, Fütterer C, Wimbauer F, Vogel A, Schoenfeld J, Wüstenfeld JC, Kastner T, Barsch F, Friedmann-Bette B, Bloch W, Meyer T, Mayer F, Wolfarth B, Roecker K, Reinsberger C, Haller B, Niess AM. COVID-19 in Female and Male Athletes: Symptoms, Clinical Findings, Outcome, and Prolonged Exercise Intolerance-A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Cohort Study (CoSmo-S). Sports Med 2024; 54:1033-1049. [PMID: 38206445 PMCID: PMC11052799 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01976-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications, which can impair athletic activity. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the clinical symptom patterns, diagnostic findings, and the extent of impairment in sport practice in a large cohort of athletes infected with SARS-CoV-2, both initially after infection and at follow-up. Additionally, we investigated whether baseline factors that may contribute to reduced exercise tolerance at follow-up can be identified. METHODS In this prospective, observational, multicenter study, we recruited German COVID elite-athletes (cEAs, n = 444) and COVID non-elite athletes (cNEAs, n = 481) who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR (polymerase chain reaction test). Athletes from the federal squad with no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection served as healthy controls (EAcon, n = 501). Questionnaires were used to assess load and duration of infectious symptoms, other complaints, exercise tolerance, and duration of training interruption at baseline and at follow-up 6 months after baseline. Diagnostic tests conducted at baseline included resting and exercise electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, spirometry, and blood analyses. RESULTS Most acute and infection-related symptoms and other complaints were more prevalent in cNEA than in cEAs. Compared to cEAs, EAcon had a low symptom load. In cNEAs, female athletes had a higher prevalence of complaints such as palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, myalgia, sleeping disturbances, mood swings, and concentration problems compared to male athletes (p < 0.05). Until follow-up, leading symptoms were drop in performance, concentration problems, and dyspnea on exertion. Female athletes had significantly higher prevalence for symptoms until follow-up compared to male. Pathological findings in ECG, echocardiography, and spirometry, attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection, were rare in infected athletes. Most athletes reported a training interruption between 2 and 4 weeks (cNEAs: 52.9%, cEAs: 52.4%), while more cNEAs (27.1%) compared to cEAs (5.1%) had a training interruption lasting more than 4 weeks (p < 0.001). At follow-up, 13.8% of cNEAs and 9.9% of cEAs (p = 0.24) reported their current exercise tolerance to be under 70% compared to pre-infection state. A persistent loss of exercise tolerance at follow-up was associated with persistent complaints at baseline, female sex, a longer break in training, and age > 38 years. Periodical dichotomization of the data set showed a higher prevalence of infectious symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and coryza in the second phase of the pandemic, while a number of neuropsychiatric symptoms as well as dyspnea on exertion were less frequent in this period. CONCLUSIONS Compared to recreational athletes, elite athletes seem to be at lower risk of being or remaining symptomatic after SARS-CoV-2 infection. It remains to be determined whether persistent complaints after SARS-CoV-2 infection without evidence of accompanying organ damage may have a negative impact on further health and career in athletes. Identifying risk factors for an extended recovery period such as female sex and ongoing neuropsychological symptoms could help to identify athletes, who may require a more cautious approach to rebuilding their training regimen. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00023717; 06.15.2021-retrospectively registered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Widmann
- Department of Sports Medicine, Medical Clinic, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler Str. 6, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Roman Gaidai
- Department of Sports and Health, Institute of Sports Medicine, Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Isabel Schubert
- Department of Sports Medicine, Medical Clinic, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler Str. 6, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Grummt
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lieselotte Bensen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arno Kerling
- Clinic for Rehabilitation and sports medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anne Quermann
- Medical Clinic VII, Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Zacher
- Department of Preventative and Rehabilitative Sports and Performance Medicine, Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sports University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Shirin Vollrath
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Beckendorf
- Center of Sports Medicine, Outpatient Clinic, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Florian Egger
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Erik Hasler
- Institute for Applied Health Promotion and Exercise Medicine (IfAG), Furtwangen University, Furtwangen, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Mellwig
- Clinic for General and Interventional Cardiology/Angiology, Herz-und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Fütterer
- School of Medicine, Institute of AI and Informatics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fritz Wimbauer
- Department of Prevention and Sports Medicine, University Hospital 'Rechts Der Isar', Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Azin Vogel
- Department of Prevention and Sports Medicine, University Hospital 'Rechts Der Isar', Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Schoenfeld
- Department of Prevention and Sports Medicine, University Hospital 'Rechts Der Isar', Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan C Wüstenfeld
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Applied Training Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tom Kastner
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Applied Training Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Friedrich Barsch
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Exercise and Occupational Medicine, University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Friedmann-Bette
- Medical Clinic VII, Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sport Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Frank Mayer
- Center of Sports Medicine, Outpatient Clinic, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Applied Training Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kai Roecker
- Institute for Applied Health Promotion and Exercise Medicine (IfAG), Furtwangen University, Furtwangen, Germany
| | - Claus Reinsberger
- Department of Sports and Health, Institute of Sports Medicine, Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Bernhard Haller
- School of Medicine, Institute of AI and Informatics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas M Niess
- Department of Sports Medicine, Medical Clinic, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler Str. 6, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Luo L, Sun G, Guo E, Xu H, Wang Z. Impact of COVID-19 on football attacking players' match technical performance: a longitudinal study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6057. [PMID: 38480764 PMCID: PMC10937722 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56678-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the impact of COVID-19 on 28 indicators of match technical performance (MTP) for football attacking players upon their return to play. Analyzing data from 100 players in the Big Five European football leagues, covering 1500 matches each before and after COVID-19 over 3 years (2020-2023), revealed significant differences in 76% of players' MTP indicators. Notably, 14 indicators, particularly the five indicators linked to scoring, significantly decreased post-COVID-19. On average, players needed 3.09 matches to regain pre-infection MTP levels. The impact varied across player groups, with those in the elite group showing a milder effect; they required an average of 2.64 matches for recovery, compared to the control group's 3.55 matches. We found that, with increasing age, the majority of players' MTP indicators did not exhibit significant changes, both before and after they contracted COVID-19. In conclusion, the study highlighted the negative impact of COVID-19 on football attacking players' MTP. Players in the elite group experienced fewer adverse effects than those in the control group. This insight assisted coaches and managers in evaluating the impact of COVID-19 and similar virus-induced illnesses on players' MTP, enabling them to formulate training regimens for recovery and specific match tactics upon players' return to play.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Luo
- College of Humanities and Law, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Sun
- College of Humanities and Law, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Enkai Guo
- College of Physical Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hanbing Xu
- College of P. E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohong Wang
- College of P. E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Williams Z, Hull JH. Respiratory complications following COVID-19 in athletic populations: A narrative review. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14275. [PMID: 36539388 PMCID: PMC9880648 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zander Williams
- Department of Respiratory MedicineRoyal Brompton HospitalLondonUK
| | - James H. Hull
- Department of Respiratory MedicineRoyal Brompton HospitalLondonUK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), Division of Surgery and Interventional ScienceUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chuatrakoon B, Konghakote S, Sa-nguanmoo P, Nantakool S. Long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiorespiratory fitness: a meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1215486. [PMID: 37920575 PMCID: PMC10619755 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1215486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite surviving Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), its long-term impact is of concern. Low cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of all-cause mortality, and likely affected by multisystem impairments following COVID-19 infection. Accumulating evidence has identified the impact of COVID-19 on cardiorespiratory fitness level. However, the findings have been controversial. Conclusive evidence is still needed. Objectives This review aimed to systematically summarize and synthesize whether the SARS-CoV-2 infection diminishes cardiorespiratory fitness in COVID-19 survivors. Design The study design was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A search was carried out using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane Library, together with reference lists (searching from their inception to January 2023). Observational studies investigating the impact of COVID-19 on outcomes relevant to cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., peak oxygen uptake) were included. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to identify a pooled effect estimate. Use of a random effects model was considered as the main method. Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was employed to determine the certainty of evidence. This meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023393108). Results Seven eligible studies (4 cross-sectional, 2 cohort, and 1 case-control studies) involving 4,773 participants were included in this meta-analysis. A pooled effect estimates showed that patients in the surviving COVID-19 group had a significant reduction in peak oxygen uptake when compared to their counterparts in the non-COVID-19 group (WMD -6.70, 95%CI -9.34 to -4.06, low certainty). A subgroup analysis by age found that COVID-19 survivors in the young- to middle-aged and middle- to older-aged subgroups had significant reductions in peak oxygen uptake when compared to their counterparts in the non-COVID-19 group (WMD -5.31, 95%CI -7.69 to -2.94, low certainty; WMD -15.63, 95%CI -28.50 to -2.75, very low certainty, respectively). Subgroup analyses by symptom found that patients with moderate to severe symptoms in the surviving COVID-19 group had significantly lower peak oxygen uptake than their counterparts in the non-COVID-19 group (WMD -15.63, 95%CI -28.50 to -2.75, very low certainty). Conclusion The current meta-analysis concluded that patients in the COVID-19 survivors had poorer cardiorespiratory fitness than their counterparts in the non-COVID-19 group, but there is considerable uncertainty of evidence. Poorer cardiorespiratory fitness is likely to be more pronounced in COVID-19 survivors who are getting older and had severe symptoms, but it is uncertain whether such finding has a valuable in clinical context. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42023393108.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Busaba Chuatrakoon
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Environmental-Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Supatcha Konghakote
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Piangkwan Sa-nguanmoo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sothida Nantakool
- Environmental-Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nincevic J, Jurcev-Savicevic A, Versic S, Modric T, Turic A, Bandalovic A, Becir B, Mijakovic M, Bocina I, Sekulic D. How Different Predominant SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern Affected Clinical Patterns and Performances of Infected Professional Players during Two Soccer Seasons: An Observational Study from Split, Croatia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1950. [PMID: 36767314 PMCID: PMC9916097 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There are limited data describing clinical patterns and match running performance (MRP) among players with COVID-19 infection before and after infection, particularly related to different predominant SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as in comparison to uninfected players. This observational study was conducted during two consecutive soccer seasons in one professional club in Split, Croatia. There were four clusters of mild, self-limited, or asymptomatic infection characterised by low adherence to preventive measures. Infected players had significantly more symptoms (t-test = 3.24; p = 0.002), a longer period of physical inactivity (χ2 = 10.000; p = 0.006) and a longer period of self-assessment for achieving full fitness (χ2 = 6.744; p = 0.034) in the 2020-2021 season (Wuhan wild strain and Alpha variant) than in the 2021-2022 season (Omicron variant). It was also found that, despite the milder clinical presentation of the infection in the 2021-2022 season, the players had significantly more abnormal laboratory findings (χ2 = 9.069240; p = 0.002), although without clinical significance at the time of the study. As for the MRP, player performance in the 2021-2022 season was not negatively affected by the Omicron variant, while there was an improvement in MRP in scores for a sample of all players. The RTP protocol was correctly applied because it helped the athletes to recover their pre-infection physical capacities relatively quickly. This study advances the understanding that an optimally and individually planned RTP protocol is crucial for the MRP of infected players. Future research needs to replicate the findings of abnormal laboratory results and extend the study focusing on their potential long-term clinical significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasna Nincevic
- Teaching Public Health Institute of Split and Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Anamarija Jurcev-Savicevic
- Teaching Public Health Institute of Split and Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Sime Versic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- HNK Hajduk Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Toni Modric
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | | | - Ante Bandalovic
- HNK Hajduk Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | | | - Marijana Mijakovic
- Teaching Public Health Institute of Split and Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Bocina
- Teaching Public Health Institute of Split and Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Damir Sekulic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- High Performance Sport Center, Croatian Olympic Committee, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|