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Cohen JL, Cade WH, Harrah TC, Costello JP, Kaplan LD. The Surgical Management of NCAA Division 1 College Football Injuries Post COVID-19: A Single Institution Retrospective Review. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:906-911. [PMID: 38241463 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004720] [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: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cohen, JL, Cade, WH, Harrah, TC, Costello II, JP, and Kaplan, LD. The surgical management of NCAA Division 1 college football injuries post COVID-19: A single institution retrospective review. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 906-911, 2024-The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on college football operations, including athletes' training regimens. As a result of these changes, concern for increased injury susceptibility post COVID-19 regulations has become a point of discussion. The current study sought to evaluate the incidence of surgical injury among NCAA Division 1 college football players at the authors' institution during the first full season after start of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with previous years. Retrospective chart review was performed for all players who sustained injuries requiring surgery while a member of the NCAA Division 1 football program during the 2009-2021 seasons. A p -value of ≤0.05 was used to determine significance. A total of 23 surgical injuries occurred in 22 players during the 2021 season compared with 121 in 118 players in the 12 previous seasons combined ( p = 0.0178; RR = 1.47). There was a significant increase in shoulder injuries ( n = 13 vs. n = 31; p = <0.0001; RR = 3.05) and specifically a significant increase in labral tears ( n = 10 vs. n = 30; p = 0.0003; RR = 2.74). No difference was seen in knee injuries ( n = 10 vs. n = 77; p = 0.27; RR = 1.35) and specifically no difference in anterior cruciate ligament injuries ( n = 3 vs. n = 31; p = 0.77; RR = 1.17). This phenomenon is multifactorial in nature, but alterations to players' training and preparations because of the COVID-19 pandemic likely resulted in suboptimal conditioning, leading to the increased incidence of surgical injuries emphasizing the importance of adequate strength training and conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Cohen
- Department of Orthopaedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida; and
| | - William H Cade
- Department of Orthopaedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida; and
| | - Tanner C Harrah
- Department of Orthopaedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida; and
| | | | - Lee D Kaplan
- Department of Orthopaedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida; and
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Marotta N, de Sire A, Calafiore D, Agostini F, Lippi L, Curci C, Ferraro F, Bernetti A, Invernizzi M, Ammendolia A. Impact of COVID-19 Era on the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5655. [PMID: 37685722 PMCID: PMC10488473 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175655] [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] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The surgical intervention rate and the subsequent rehabilitation plan for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury was crucially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the necessity in the face of the emergency. This review aimed to evaluate potential persistent and residual symptoms after COVID-19 disease, including fatigue and neuromuscular disorders. A scoping review design and methodology were used due to the exploratory nature of the research question, according to literature searches on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) electronic databases using the following keywords: "Anterior Cruciate Ligament", "ACL", "SARS-CoV-2", and "COVID-19". Undertraining and muscular knee imbalance might cause inefficient movement strategies, lack of knee stability, and increasing load with negative implications in ACL injuries. In the post-surgery period, during COVID-19, telerehabilitation approaches appeared to be successfully applied to maintain strength and range of motion in this condition. However, no definitive data are available regarding the most effective interventions. This scoping review showed the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on postoperative and rehabilitative care of ACL injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Marotta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Research Center on Musculoskeletal Health, MusculoSkeletalHealth@UMG, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro de Sire
- Research Center on Musculoskeletal Health, MusculoSkeletalHealth@UMG, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Dario Calafiore
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Carlo Poma, 46100 Mantova, Italy; (D.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesco Agostini
- Department of Anatomical and Histological Sciences, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Science, IRCCS San Raffaele, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lippi
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.L.); (M.I.)
- Translational Medicine, Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera SS, Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Claudio Curci
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Carlo Poma, 46100 Mantova, Italy; (D.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesco Ferraro
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Carlo Poma, 46100 Mantova, Italy; (D.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Andrea Bernetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Marco Invernizzi
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.L.); (M.I.)
- Translational Medicine, Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera SS, Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Antonio Ammendolia
- Research Center on Musculoskeletal Health, MusculoSkeletalHealth@UMG, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Angileri HS, Rosenberg SI, Tanenbaum JE, Terry MA, Tjong VK. Injury Rates at an NCAA Division I Institution After the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Descriptive Epidemiological Study. Orthop J Sports Med 2023; 11:23259671231187917. [PMID: 37576455 PMCID: PMC10416664 DOI: 10.1177/23259671231187917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to frequent schedule changes, abbreviated seasons, and disrupted training at all levels of organized sports. Purpose/Hypothesis The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of sports-related injuries at a single National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I institution during the 2020 COVID lockdown season when compared with pre-COVID seasons. It was hypothesized that there would be an increase in the overall injury rate and an increase in the number of days missed because of injury during the 2020 season when compared with the previous seasons. Study Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods The injury surveillance database at a single NCAA Division I institution was queried for injuries that resulted in time loss (missed game or practice) for a student-athlete or for injuries that persisted >3 days. Injuries were categorized by anatomic area. Days unavailable because of injury were recorded as total days that a student-athlete was listed as "out of activity." Injury incidence and days unavailable, per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs), were calculated for 3 pre-COVID seasons (2017-2019) and the 2020 season. The authors calculated the injury rate ratio (IRR) and its associated 95% CI of the 2020 season in comparison with those for the pre-COVID seasons. Results Compared with the pre-COVID seasons, the total injury incidence increased by 10.5% in the 2020 season (68.45 vs 75.65 injuries/1000 AEs; IRR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.08-1.13]). Total days unavailable decreased by 20.7% in the 2020 season (1374 vs 1089 days/1000 AEs; IRR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.77-2.26]). Compared with women's teams, men's teams had a larger increase in total injury incidence (16.4% vs 6.5%) and larger decrease in days unavailable (23.7% vs 10.75%). There were no clear trends to changes in anatomic distribution of injuries, either by sport or between the sexes. Conclusion Compared with the pre-COVID seasons, the injury incidence was higher and the number of days missed because of injury lower among collegiate student-athletes at a single NCAA Division I school in the season immediately after the COVID-19 lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter S. Angileri
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Joseph E. Tanenbaum
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael A. Terry
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Vehniah K. Tjong
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Martin C, Palasiewicz J, Grullon J, Shanley E, Thigpen C, Kline D, Kluzek S, Collins G, Bullock G. Elbow Injuries Among MLB Pitchers Increased During Covid-19 Disrupted Season, But Not Other Baseball Injuries. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2023; 18:397-408. [PMID: 37020443 PMCID: PMC10069388 DOI: 10.26603/001c.71359] [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] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The 2020 Major League Baseball Season (MLB) demonstrated season disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in training and seasonal time frames may be associated with higher rates of injury. Purpose To use publicly available data to compare injury rates during the 2015-2019 seasons, COVID-19 shortened season (2020), and the 2021 season stratified by body region and position (pitchers versus position players). Study Design A retrospective cohort study utilizing publicly available data. Methods MLB players who competed in 1+ seasons between 2015-2021 were included and stratified by position (pitcher, position player). Incidence rate (IR), reported by 1000 x Athlete-Game Exposures (AGEs), was calculated for each season, and stratified by position and body region. Poisson regressions were performed for all injuries and stratified by position to determine association between season and injury incidence. Subgroup analyses were performed on the elbow, groin/hip/thigh, shoulder. Results Four thousand, two hundred and seventy-four injuries and 796,502 AGEs across 15,152 players were documented. Overall IR was similar across seasons (2015-2019:5.39; 2020:5.85; 2021:5.04 per 1000 AGEs). IR remained high for the groin/hip/thigh for position players (2015-2019:1.7; 2020:2.0; 2021:1.7 per 1000 AGEs). There was no difference in injury rates between 2015-2019 and 2020 seasons [1.1 (0.9-1.2), p=0.310]. The 2020 season demonstrated a significant increase in elbow injuries [2.7 (1.8-4.0), p<0.001]; when stratified by position, this increase remained significant for pitchers [pitchers: 3.5 (2.1-5.9), p<0.001; position players: 1.8 (0.9-3.6), p=0.073]. No other differences were observed. Conclusion The groin/hip/thigh demonstrated the highest IR in 2020 among position players across all season time frames, indicating that continued injury mitigation for this region is necessary. When stratified by body region, elbow injury rates among pitchers demonstrated 3.5 times the rate of injury in 2020 compared to previous seasons, impacting injury burden for the most vulnerable body region among pitchers. Level of Evidence Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Martin
- Gillings School of Global Public Heath, Department of Epidemiology UNC Chapel Hill
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Kluzek
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Collins
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences University of Oxford, Oxford UK
| | - Garrett Bullock
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Corsini A, Bisciotti A, Canonico R, Causarano A, Del Vescovo R, Gatto P, Gola P, Iera M, Mazzoni S, Minafra P, Nanni G, Pasta G, Pulcini I, Salvatori S, Scorcu M, Stefanini L, Tenore F, Palermi S, Casasco M, Calza S. Are Football Players More Prone to Muscle Injury after COVID-19 Infection? The "Italian Injury Study" during the Serie a Championship. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5182. [PMID: 36982090 PMCID: PMC10048896 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Football was the first sport to resume competitions after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and promptly the hypothesis was raised of a potential relationship between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. This study aimed to confirm the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and muscle strain injury in a large population of elite football players and to investigate if the COVID-19 severity level could affect the risk of injury. METHODS A retrospective cohort study involving 15 Italian professional male football teams was performed during the Italian Serie A 2020-2021 season. Injuries and SARS-CoV-2 positivity data were collected by team doctors through an online database. RESULTS Of the 433 included players, we observed 173 SARS-CoV-2 infections and 332 indirect muscle strains. COVID-19 episodes mostly belonged to severity level I and II. The injury risk significantly increased after a COVID-19 event, by 36% (HR = 1.36, CI95% 1.05; 1.77, p-value = 0.02). The injury burden demonstrated an 86% increase (ratio = 1.86, CI95% 1.21; 2.86, p-value = 0.005) in the COVID-19 severity level II/III versus players without a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, while level I (asymptomatic) patients showed a similar average burden (ratio = 0.92, CI95% 0.54; 1.58, p-value = 0.77). A significantly higher proportion of muscle-tendon junction injuries (40.6% vs. 27.1%, difference = 13.5%, CI95% 0.002%; 26.9%, p-value = 0.047) was found when comparing level II/III versus Non-COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and indirect muscle injuries and highlights how the severity of the infection would represent an additional risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefano Mazzoni
- Sport Medicine Department—Milan Lab, Associazione Calcistica Milan, 20149 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Gianni Nanni
- Bologna Football Club 1909, 40132 Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefano Palermi
- Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Stefano Calza
- Unit of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
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Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on injury incidence and burden in amateur rugby union. Phys Ther Sport 2023; 59:85-91. [PMID: 36525741 PMCID: PMC9737509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.12.005] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyse match and training injury incidence rates and burden from pre-(2019) and post-COVID-19 (2021) seasons; To analyse injury related variables as mechanisms, type, body locations, severity and the differences of the most common injuries according to playing positions. DESIGN An observational study was performed according to the consensus statement on injury definitions and data collection from World Rugby. Injury variables were collected retrospectively for 2019 season and prospectively during 2021 season. SETTING Argentinian amateur rugby club. PARTICIPANTS Male (n = 110) senior amateur rugby players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Match and training time loss injuries, time of exposures and injury related variables. RESULTS Training incidence rate during post-lockdown season (4.2/1000 player-training-hours) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the pre-lockdown season (0.9/1000 player match hours). Post-lockdown hamstring strain injury (HSI) and concussions match incidence rates were significantly (p < 0.001; p < 0.05 respectively) higher in comparison with 2019 season. Regarding playing positions, backs showed a significantly increase (p < 0.05) in HSI match incidence rate post lockdown. CONCLUSIONS After the COVID-19 lockdown, training incidence rate was significantly higher than previous season (2019), showing the impact of the lockdown restrictions. Coaches and medical staff must consider that players probably need more lead-in time for conditioning and more monitoring after periods of no rugby.
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Seshadri DR, Harlow ER, Thom ML, Emery MS, Phelan DM, Hsu JJ, Düking P, De Mey K, Sheehan J, Geletka B, Flannery R, Calcei JG, Karns M, Salata MJ, Gabbett TJ, Voos JE. Wearable technology in the sports medicine clinic to guide the return-to-play and performance protocols of athletes following a COVID-19 diagnosis. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231177498. [PMID: 37434736 PMCID: PMC10331194 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231177498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has enabled the adoption of digital health platforms for self-monitoring and diagnosis. Notably, the pandemic has had profound effects on athletes and their ability to train and compete. Sporting organizations worldwide have reported a significant increase in injuries manifesting from changes in training regimens and match schedules resulting from extended quarantines. While current literature focuses on the use of wearable technology to monitor athlete workloads to guide training, there is a lack of literature suggesting how such technology can mediate the return to sport processes of athletes infected with COVID-19. This paper bridges this gap by providing recommendations to guide team physicians and athletic trainers on the utility of wearable technology for improving the well-being of athletes who may be asymptomatic, symptomatic, or tested negative but have had to quarantine due to a close exposure. We start by describing the physiologic changes that occur in athletes infected with COVID-19 with extended deconditioning from a musculoskeletal, psychological, cardiopulmonary, and thermoregulatory standpoint and review the evidence on how these athletes may safely return to play. We highlight opportunities for wearable technology to aid in the return-to-play process by offering a list of key parameters pertinent to the athlete affected by COVID-19. This paper provides the athletic community with a greater understanding of how wearable technology can be implemented in the rehabilitation process of these athletes and spurs opportunities for further innovations in wearables, digital health, and sports medicine to reduce injury burden in athletes of all ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv R Seshadri
- University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ethan R Harlow
- University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mitchell L Thom
- University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Michael S Emery
- Sports Cardiology Center, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Dermot M Phelan
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Hsu
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter Düking
- Integrative and Experimental Exercise Science, Department of Sport Science, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Benjamin Geletka
- University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- University Hospitals Rehabilitation Services and Sports Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Robert Flannery
- University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jacob G Calcei
- University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Michael Karns
- University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Michael J Salata
- University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tim J Gabbett
- Gabbett Performance Solutions, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia
- School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - James E Voos
- University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Training load, sports performance, physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective cohort of Swiss elite athletes. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278203. [PMID: 36454814 PMCID: PMC9714901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions have led to abrupt changes in the lives of elite athletes. OBJECTIVES The objective of this prospective cohort study was to examine training load, subjective sports performance, physical and mental health among Swiss elite athletes during a 6-month follow-up period starting with the first Swiss lockdown. METHODS Swiss elite athletes (n = 203) participated in a repeated online survey evaluating health, training, and performance related metrics. After the first assessment during the first lockdown between April and May 2020, there were monthly follow-ups over 6 months. RESULTS Out of 203 athletes completing the first survey during the first lockdown, 73 athletes (36%) completed all assessments during the entire 6-month follow-up period. Sports performance and training load decreased during the first lockdown and increased again at the beginning of the second lockdown in October 2020, while symptoms of depression and financial fears showed only a transient increase during the first lockdown. Self-reported injuries and illnesses did not change significantly at any timepoint in the study. Stricter COVID-19 restrictions, as measured by the Government Stringency Index (GSI), were associated with reduced subjective sports performance, as well as lower training intensity, increased financial fears, poorer coping with restrictions, and more depressive symptoms, as measured by the 9-item module of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). CONCLUSION This study revealed a negative impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on sports performance, training load and mental health among Swiss elite athletes, while the rate of self-reported injuries and illnesses remained unaffected.
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Dalen-Lorentsen T, Andersen TE, Thorbjørnsen C, Brown M, Tovi D, Braastad A, Lindinger TG, Williams C, Moen E, Clarsen B, Bjørneboe J. Injury characteristics in Norwegian male professional football: A comparison between a regular season and a season in the pandemic. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:915581. [PMID: 36339642 PMCID: PMC9635315 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.915581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic forced the Norwegian male premier league football season to reschedule, reducing the fixture calendar substantially. Previous research has shown that a congested match schedule can affect injury rates in professional football. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the Norwegian premier league teams suffered more injuries in the more match congested 2020 season than in the regular 2019-season. We invited all teams having participated in both seasons to export their injury data. Only teams that used the same medical staff to register injuries in both seasons were included, and to maximize data comparability between seasons, we applied a time-loss injury definition only. Seven of 13 teams agreed to participate and exported their injury data. Both seasons had 30 game weeks, but the 2020 season was 57 days shorter than the 2019 season. The match injury incidence did not differ significantly [incidence rate ratio 0.76 (0.48-1.20; p = 0.24) in the 2020 season compared to the 2019 season. Furthermore, we found no differences in the number of injuries, days lost to injury, matches missed to injury, or injury severity. We could not detect any differences between the two seasons, suggesting the congested match calendar combined with the safety measures in the 2020 season can be a safe alternative in future seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torstein Dalen-Lorentsen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway,*Correspondence: Torstein Dalen-Lorentsen
| | - Thor Einar Andersen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | - Tom Gerald Lindinger
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Benjamin Clarsen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway,Centre for Disease Burden, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - John Bjørneboe
- Department of Sports Medicine, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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De la Rosa A, Monterrosa Quintero A, Camacho-Villa MA, Arc-Chagnaud C, de Andrade AGP, Reyes-Correa S, Quintero-Bernal R, Fuentes-García JP. Physical Activity Levels and Psychological Well-Being during COVID-19 Lockdown among University Students and Employees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11234. [PMID: 36141525 PMCID: PMC9517636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
During the lockdown for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), entire populations were instructed to live in home confinement. We investigated the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on the physical activity (PA) and mental health of students and employees in a Colombian University. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey during the first isolation. A total of 431 respondents (192 males) aged 18-60 years old (28.1 ± 11.1 years) participated. The international Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the short version of the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI-S) were used. The lockdown had a negative effect on PA levels, with students exhibiting the greatest decrease (~34%; p ˂ 0.001) compared to employees (~24%; p ˂ 0.01). The analysis showed a greater change in PA behavior before and during the lockdown in highly active student participants (5750 vs. 5141 MET min/week; p < 0.05). Additionally, the psychological assessment revealed a lower score in students compared to employees in the male (70.1 vs. 82.6) and female groups (60.2 vs. 79.6). Moreover, the results revealed an influence of sex, with only the female students exhibiting a state of distress. Self-reported PA and psychological well-being were compromised during the COVID-19 lockdown in the academic community, with students and females being more affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián De la Rosa
- Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, Sports Science and Innovation Research Group (GICED), Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander (UTS), Bucaramanga 680006, Santander, Colombia
| | - Armando Monterrosa Quintero
- Research Group SER-SICIDE, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Universidad Católica de Oriente (UCO), Rionegro 054040, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - María Alejandra Camacho-Villa
- Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, Sports Science and Innovation Research Group (GICED), Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander (UTS), Bucaramanga 680006, Santander, Colombia
| | - Coralie Arc-Chagnaud
- Laboratoire MOVE, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, F-86000 Poitiers, France
| | | | - Sergio Reyes-Correa
- Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, Sports Science and Innovation Research Group (GICED), Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander (UTS), Bucaramanga 680006, Santander, Colombia
| | - Ronald Quintero-Bernal
- Physical Activity and Sport Program, Sports Science and Innovation Research Group (GICED), Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander (UTS), Bucaramanga 680006, Santander, Colombia
| | - Juan Pedro Fuentes-García
- Didactic and Behavioral Analysis of Sports Research Group (ADICODE), Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
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Annino G, Manzi V, Alashram AR, Romagnoli C, Coniglio M, Lamouchideli N, Perrone MA, Limongi D, Padua E. COVID-19 as a Potential Cause of Muscle Injuries in Professional Italian Serie A Soccer Players: A Retrospective Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11117. [PMID: 36078838 PMCID: PMC9518420 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has shocked the entire planet. The soccer world has also suffered major upheavals, and many professional soccer players have been infected with the virus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of injuries in Italian Serie A professional soccer players before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We evaluated the incidence of muscle injuries between four competitive seasons of the Italian Serie A (2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 pre-COVID-19 vs. 2020/2021 post-COVID-19) in professional soccer players. Results: Significant differences were found in muscular injuries between the post-COVID-19 season and the previous seasons (p < 0.001). The median split of the players' positivity duration was of 15 days. The players' long positivity (PLP) group showed a significant number of muscular injuries compared to the players' short positivity (PSP) group (p < 0.0014, ES = 0.81, Large). The total teams' days of positivity were significantly related to the total team number of muscular injuries (r = 0.86; CI 95% 0.66 to 0.94; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, this data showed that the competitive season post-COVID-19 lockdown has a higher incidence of muscle injuries in Italian Serie A soccer players compared to the pre-pandemic competitive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Annino
- Department of Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of SpaceBio-Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Manzi
- Department of Humanities Science, Pegaso Open University, 80143 Naples, Italy
- Hellas Verona FC, Via Olanda 11, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Anas Radi Alashram
- Department of Physiotherapy, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
| | - Cristian Romagnoli
- Department for Life Quality Studies Rimini, Alma Mater University, 47521 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mattia Coniglio
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Niloofar Lamouchideli
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Alfonso Perrone
- Department of Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- University Sports Centre, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Dolores Limongi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00166 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Padua
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
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12
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Dauty M, Grondin J, Daley P, Louguet B, Menu P, Fouasson-Chailloux A. Consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Anaerobic Performances in Young Elite Soccer Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116418. [PMID: 35682003 PMCID: PMC9180319 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116418] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic required local confinement measures reducing sport practice with possible consequences on the athletes’ performances. Furthermore, anaerobic detraining was underestimated and poorly known in adolescents. This article aimed to assess the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1-month COVID-19 confinement on jump testing in young elite soccer players despite a 1-month multimodal training program followed by a 1-month soccer retraining period. Thirty-one elite soccer players aged 14 were included; 16 were infected by the SARS-CoV-2 and compared with 15 non-infected elite soccer players before and after 1 month of COVID-19 confinement, and after 1 month of a soccer retraining period. Squat jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps with (CMJs) and without arm swinging (CMJ) and multiple consecutive jumps (stiffness) were used to explore the anaerobic performances. Analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to compare the positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 groups, taking into account the confinement period (low training) and the retraining soccer period. The jump tests were not altered in the positive SARS-CoV-2 group compared to the negative SARS-CoV-2 group after confinement (SJ: 31.6 ± 5.6 vs. 32.7 ± 3.7; CMJ: 34.1 ± 6.9 vs. 34.2 ± 2.6; CMJs: 38.6 ± 6.8 vs. 40.3 ± 3.9; stiffness: 28.5 ± 4.3 vs. 29.1 ± 3.7) and at 1 month of this period (SJ: 33.8 ± 5.5 vs. 36.2 ± 4.6; CMJ: 34.7 ± 5.5 vs. 36.4 ± 3.5; CMJs: 40.4 ± 6.7 vs. 42.7 ± 5.5; stiffness: 32.6 ± 4.7 vs. 34.0 ± 4.3). The SARS-CoV-2 infection had no consequence on anaerobic performances assessed by jump tests in adolescent soccer players. The adolescents’ growth could explain the absence of alteration of jump performances during the COVID-19 confinement. These results can be useful to manage the recovery of the anaerobic fitness after SARS-CoV-2 infection occurring in adolescent athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Dauty
- Nantes Université, Service de Médecine du Sport, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France; (M.D.); (J.G.); (P.D.); (B.L.); (P.M.)
- Nantes Université, Service de Physique et Réadaptation Locomotrice et Respiratoire, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, Inserm, UMR 1229, RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, ONIRIS, 44042 Nantes, France
- Institut Régional de Médecine du Sport, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Jérôme Grondin
- Nantes Université, Service de Médecine du Sport, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France; (M.D.); (J.G.); (P.D.); (B.L.); (P.M.)
- Nantes Université, Service de Physique et Réadaptation Locomotrice et Respiratoire, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Pauline Daley
- Nantes Université, Service de Médecine du Sport, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France; (M.D.); (J.G.); (P.D.); (B.L.); (P.M.)
- Nantes Université, Service de Physique et Réadaptation Locomotrice et Respiratoire, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Bastien Louguet
- Nantes Université, Service de Médecine du Sport, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France; (M.D.); (J.G.); (P.D.); (B.L.); (P.M.)
- Institut Régional de Médecine du Sport, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Pierre Menu
- Nantes Université, Service de Médecine du Sport, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France; (M.D.); (J.G.); (P.D.); (B.L.); (P.M.)
- Nantes Université, Service de Physique et Réadaptation Locomotrice et Respiratoire, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, Inserm, UMR 1229, RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, ONIRIS, 44042 Nantes, France
- Institut Régional de Médecine du Sport, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Alban Fouasson-Chailloux
- Nantes Université, Service de Médecine du Sport, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France; (M.D.); (J.G.); (P.D.); (B.L.); (P.M.)
- Nantes Université, Service de Physique et Réadaptation Locomotrice et Respiratoire, CHU Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, Inserm, UMR 1229, RMeS, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, ONIRIS, 44042 Nantes, France
- Institut Régional de Médecine du Sport, 44093 Nantes, France
- Correspondence:
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González-Hernández J, Bianco A, Marques da Silva C, Gómez-López M. Perfectionism, Resilience and Different Ways of Experiencing Sport during COVID-19 Confinement. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105994. [PMID: 35627531 PMCID: PMC9141558 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between sports practice and physical and mental health became an important issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, where keeping fit and exercising was one of the best and most popular ways to cope with the confinement situation. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between perfectionism and resilient resources with psychological well-being, differentiating sports category, gender and experience in a sample of athletes during confinement in different countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. An incidental and cross-sectional random sampling method was designed (n = 583). The sample was analysed with three different instruments, evaluating perfectionism, resilience and psychological well-being patterns and comparing three groups with different levels of practice due to confinement (full reduction, moderate reduction and only access restrictions). Results show that both male and senior athletes were more organized, resistant to changes and focused their attention and efforts on their demands and potential. They were stimulated by obstacles that required more effort compared to U23, who reported higher concerns and lower organisational scores. Athletes who completely interrupted their sports dynamics showed higher indicators of perfectionism and performed worse in resilience and well-being. Despite this, age and the variability of the athletes’ experiences proved to be relevant factors in an athlete’s trajectory, and continued to represent a certain degree of balance in the face of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan González-Hernández
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Granada, 18001 Granada, Spain;
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Carlos Marques da Silva
- Life Quality Research Center (CIEQV), Sport Sciences School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2000-044 Santarem, Portugal;
| | - Manuel Gómez-López
- Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, 30720 Murcia, Spain
- Campus of International Excellence “Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30720 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Orthopaedic, trauma surgery, and Covid-2019 pandemic: clinical panorama and future prospective in Europe. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2022; 48:4385-4402. [PMID: 35523966 PMCID: PMC9075714 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-022-01978-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in Europe on consultations, surgeries, and traumas in the field of orthopaedic and trauma surgery. Strategies to resume the clinical activities were also discussed. Methods This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: the 2020 PRISMA statement. All the comparative studies reporting data on the impact of Covid-19 in the field of orthopaedic and trauma surgery in Europe were accessed. Only comparative clinical studies which investigated the year 2020 versus 2019 were eligible. Results 57 clinical investigations were included in the present study. Eight studies reported a reduction of the orthopaedic consultations, which decreased between 20.9 and 90.1%. Seven studies reported the number of emergency and trauma consultations, which were decreased between 37.7 and 74.2%. Fifteen studies reported information with regard to the reasons for orthopaedic and trauma admissions. The number of polytraumas decreased between 5.6 and 77.1%, fractures between 3.9 and 63.1%. Traffic accidents admissions dropped by up to 88.9%, and sports-related injuries dropped in a range of 59.3% to 100%. The overall reduction of the surgical interventions ranged from 5.4 to 88.8%. Conclusion The overall trend of consultations, surgeries, and rate of traumas and fragility fractures appear to decrease during the 2020 European COVID pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic era. Given the heterogeneities in the clinical evidence, results from the present study should be considered carefully. Level of evidence Level IV, systematic review.
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COVID-19 Confinement Effects on Game Actions during Competition Restart in Professional Soccer Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074252. [PMID: 35409933 PMCID: PMC8999149 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of the present study was to compare high-intensity actions in a week of three matches before and after the COVID-19 lockdown. The observational methodology was used. This study analysed 551 professional soccer players from 22 different Spanish teams (LaLiga Smartbank 2019−2020) by a multi-camera tracking system and associated software (Mediacoach®, Spain). Variables of distances per minute and totals, travelled at High Intensity (HIR), Very High Intensity (VHIR), Sprint (HSR), player’s maximum speed, average speed, and the number of efforts in VHIR and HSR were analysed in the first and second half of the games, the full match, as well as in relation to the playing position. Players who participated in the same number of matches pre- and post-COVID-19 showed an increase in the total minutes played, p < 0.05, and small decreases in game actions, p < 0.05, with an effect size between 0.21 and 0.45, while players who participated in different number of matches pre- and post-COVID-19 showed a performance decrease, p < 0.05, with a size effect between 0.13 and 0.51; this was evident, particularly, for midfielders, p < 0.05, with a size effect between 0.39 and 0.75. The results seem to show that the playing intensity after COVID-19 confinement did not lead to large performance losses, except for midfielders who were the most involved players and showed a higher decrease in performance. The main findings of this study could provide insight to football coaches for rotations in starting line-ups and game substitutions, so as not to affect the intensity levels of the competitions.
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A Moderated Mediation Analysis of the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Well-Being and Sport Readiness of Italian Team Sports Players: The Role of Perceived Safety of the Training Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052764. [PMID: 35270457 PMCID: PMC8910545 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protective restrictions (e.g., lockdowns, quarantines, social and physical distancing) consequent to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 posited new challenges to athletes practicing competitive team sports. This study aimed to gain an understanding of the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being and sports readiness to train and to compete of competitive female and male athletes practicing outdoor (i.e., rugby, soccer) and indoor (i.e., volleyball, basketball) team sports who were active during the Italian first and second waves of COVID-19. METHODS An online survey assessing demographic characteristics, perceived safety of the training environment, COVID-19 risk, fear of COVID-19, well-being, and sport (training and competition) readiness was administered to 619 team sports players. We examined differences by gender, previous COVID-19 experience, and team sport setting (i.e., outdoor vs. indoor). A moderated mediation analysis was conducted to assess the impact of perceived COVID-19 risk and fear of COVID-19 on athletes' well-being and sports readiness, using perceived safety of the training environment as a mediator and gender and sport setting as moderators. RESULTS Indoor team sports and female athletes showed higher perceived COVID-19 risk, while athletes with no-COVID-19 experience reported higher fear of COVID-19. Perceived COVID-19 risk (directly and via perceived safety of the training environment) and fear of COVID-19 were negatively associated with athletes' well-being and sports readiness. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted an understanding of the psychological implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the role of the perceived safety of the training environment on athletes' well-being and sports readiness. Future studies may advance safety-based interventions to promote well-being and a safer return to sport.
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Biological, Psychological, and Physical Performance Variations in Football Players during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Prospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052739. [PMID: 35270434 PMCID: PMC8910252 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate whether COVID-19 lockdown caused biological, psychological, and/or physical performance variations in footballers. We compared the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons evaluating the plasma volume, hematological parameters, iron/ferritin, creatine kinase, vitamin D, cortisol, testosterone, and physiological state of players of the Italian football major league (Serie A). Measurements were performed before the preparatory period (T0), at the beginning (T1) and in the middle (T2) of the championship, and in March (T3) and at the end of season (T4). The results showed that in the 2019/2020 season affected by the lockdown, the weight, BMI, and fat mass percentage were higher than in the previous season. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells, and ferritin decreased during both seasons, more significantly than in the regular season. During both seasons, creatine kinase increased from T2 whilst iron concentrations decreased in T3. Testosterone increased in both seasons from T0 to T3 and returned to initial levels at T4; cortisol increased in T2 and T3 during the 2018/2019 season but not during the COVID-19 season. Physical performance tests revealed differences associated with lockdown. Thus, although from a medical point of view, none of the evaluated changes between the two seasons were clinically relevant, training at home during lockdown did not allow the players to maintain the jumping power levels typical of a competitive period.
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The Role of Crowd Support on Home Advantage during COVID-19 Restrictions on Italian Football Competitions. Comparison between 2018–19 and 2020–21 Seasons of the Italian Serie A and Serie B Championships. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10020017. [PMID: 35202057 PMCID: PMC8878181 DOI: 10.3390/sports10020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The home advantage (HA) affects football competitions, especially due to the presence of crowd support. Even though several studies demonstrated that HA (which is influenced by the crowd) decreased in recent years, the empty stadia caused by COVID-19 restrictions offered unique situations to explore and quantify HA. For this reason, we aimed to assess HA in two seasons of the major Italian Championships. We conducted an observational study with the data from the last three seasons of the Italian football championship A–B series, analyzing a total of 2.964 individual game scores. To quantify the HA, the number of points won at home was calculated as a percentage of the total number of points won, home and away. In every season and for every team classification, HA was found (scored points > 50% in home matches). We reported a difference in HA median score for Serie B. Additionally, a difference was found in Serie A for middle-ranking HA median scores in the two seasons compared (p-value = 0.017), which was similarly found in Serie B (p-value = 0.009). The number of penalties was lower in the season with a crowd compared to one without a crowd (p = 0.001). The HA did not disappear in empty stadiums, so there must be other contributing factors. Additionally, we found that the referees were biased by the presence of the crowd in favor of the home teams, and this result could be considered by the football association during referees’ training and formation.
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Neuromuscular Impairment of Knee Stabilizer Muscles in a COVID-19 Cluster of Female Volleyball Players: Which Role for Rehabilitation in the Post-COVID-19 Return-to-Play? APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12020557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 athletes reported persistent and residual symptoms many weeks after initial infection, including cough, fatigue, and neuromuscular disorders. Poor neuromuscular control may cause inefficient movement strategies increasing anterior cruciate ligament load. This is particularly relevant in female athletes, who show a 3-time higher risk than male counterparts. Aim is to evaluate the impairment in thigh muscles activation, body composition, and physical performance after COVID-19 in volleyball athletes. We recruited a cohort of female professional players from the same team. We assessed the pre-activation time of Rectus Femoris (RF), Vastus Medialis (VM), Medial Hamstring (MH), and Lateral Hamstring (LH) before (T0) and after (T1) COVID-19 infection, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and jump tests. We included 12 athletes with COVID-19 infection diagnosis in January 2021. At T1 we found a significant (p < 0.05) delay (ms) of the activation time of RF (426 ± 188 vs. 152 ± 106); VM (363 ± 192 vs. 140 ± 96); BF (229 ± 60 vs. 150 ± 63); MH (231 ± 88 vs. 203 ± 89), and a significant reduction of body composition at BIA. The neuromotor imbalance of the knee stabilizer muscle in female athletes after COVID-19 infection determines a deficit of knee stabilization. Physicians should consider neuromuscular and metabolic sequelae to identify athletes at higher risk of injury and set up specific neuromuscular rehabilitation protocols.
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Paravlic AH, Simunic B, Pisot S, Kleva M, Teraz K, Vogrin M, Marusic U, Pisot R. Lower-Limb Muscle Contractile Properties, Explosive Power and the Subjective Response of Elite Soccer Players to the COVID-19 Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19010474. [PMID: 35010734 PMCID: PMC8744705 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the effects of the lockdown period on basic anthropometric measures, countermovement jumping performance, skeletal muscle contractile properties derived from tensiomyography (TMG), injury incidence, and self-assessed general well-being in elite soccer players. A total of 266 players were assessed before (PRE) and 32 players were reassessed 11 days after (POST) the COVID-19 period. Significant changes in the TMG parameters were observed POST compared to PRE: contraction time (Tc) increased from 6% to 50% in vastus lateralis [VL] (p = 0.009) and biceps femoris [BF] (p < 0.001), respectively; whereas radial displacement (Dm) increased for 19% in BF (p = 0.036) and 17% in VL (p < 0.001), respectively. Jumping performance remained unchanged from PRE to POST In addition, athletes rated the lockdown period as a positive event and felt psychologically better during the lockdown, primarily because they spent more time with family members and friends. Although there were no differences in any of the variables describing lower limb muscle power following the two-month lockdown, the altered contractile properties of the assessed muscles suggest suboptimal conditioning of the football players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin H. Paravlic
- Faculty of Sport, Institute of Kinesiology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (B.S.); (S.P.); (M.K.); (K.T.); (U.M.); (R.P.)
- Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
| | - Bostjan Simunic
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (B.S.); (S.P.); (M.K.); (K.T.); (U.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Sasa Pisot
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (B.S.); (S.P.); (M.K.); (K.T.); (U.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Matej Kleva
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (B.S.); (S.P.); (M.K.); (K.T.); (U.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Kaja Teraz
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (B.S.); (S.P.); (M.K.); (K.T.); (U.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Matjaz Vogrin
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Sports Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Uros Marusic
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (B.S.); (S.P.); (M.K.); (K.T.); (U.M.); (R.P.)
- Department of Health Science, Alma Mater Europaea—ECM, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Rado Pisot
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (B.S.); (S.P.); (M.K.); (K.T.); (U.M.); (R.P.)
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on swimmers in Poland. BIOMEDICAL HUMAN KINETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/bhk-2022-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study aim: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health, lifestyle, training loads and competition starts of swimmers in Poland in 2020.
Material and methods: The study was conducted in the form of a questionnaire on group of 123 Polish swimmers in 2020. The survey asked about differences in training, lifestyle and well-being following the introduction of pandemic restrictions. The mean age of the athletes was 23 years ± 7.6 and training experience 10 years ± 5.3.
Results: The majority of swimmers (81%) were satisfied with their health status. Respondents did not experience changes in sleep quality and length during the COVID-19 pandemic. A large proportion of respondents (83%) did not follow a special diet, while they were willing to use supplementation (58.5%). Respondents stated that the pandemic did not affect their physical activity outside of training. The athletes evaluated negatively the changes in training and competition conditions caused by the pandemic (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions: The study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a major impact on the health, sleep and physical activity of swimmers in Poland in 2020, while it had a negative impact in terms of training conditions and sport competition.
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22
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Washif JA, Ammar A, Trabelsi K, Chamari K, Chong CSM, Mohd Kassim SFA, Lew PCF, Farooq A, Pyne DB, James C. Regression Analysis of Perceived Stress among Elite Athletes from Changes in Diet, Routine and Well-Being: Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown and "Bubble" Training Camps. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:402. [PMID: 35010662 PMCID: PMC8744934 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lifestyles and training of elite athletes around the world. The detrimental effects of lockdown periods may vary among individuals, as well as among sports and sexes. This study investigated the changes in dietary habits, and the predictors of perceived stress during lockdown and a "bubble" training camp. This cross-sectional, online survey involved 76 elite and world-class athletes from six able-bodied sports and nine parasports, all of whom were involved in a 30-day "bubble" training camp. Questions were asked on socio-demographics, training routines and wellbeing, perceived stress, and dietary habits, pertaining to "normal" training (prelockdown), lockdown training, and "bubble" camp training periods. Changes in perceived stress were trivial to small during lockdown compared to "normal" training, and trivial to moderate during a "bubble" camp, compared to lockdown. Para-athletes, males, older athletes, less experienced athletes, married individuals, and specific ethnicities appeared to be more detrimentally affected (increased perceived stress) by lockdown. These negative experiences, however, were largely reversed during "bubble" camps. During lockdown, more athletes reported increased evening snack consumption (+8%), later meal-times (+6%), decreased fluid intake (-6%), and no breakfast (+7%). These changes were reversed during "bubble" camps (12-18% improvements). Sport classification accounted for 16% of the increased perceived stress (p = 0.001) during lockdown. Overall, socio-demographic factors, improvements in training routines, well-being, and dietary habits explained 28% of the decreased perceived stress during a "bubble" camp. In conclusion, better dietary habits, training routines and well-being have implications for reduced perceived stress. During lockdown, "bubble" camps may be beneficial, but this observation may be a case-by-case consideration, and short split "bubble" periods are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Adrian Washif
- Sports Performance Division, Institut Sukan Negara Malaysia (National Sports Institute of Malaysia), National Sports Complex, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.S.M.C.); (S.F.A.M.K.); (P.C.F.L.); (C.J.)
| | - Achraf Ammar
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
- Institute of Sport Science, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Neurosciences, Physiology and Psychology: Physical Activity, Health and Learning (LINP2), UPL, Paris Nanterre University, 92000 Nanterre, France
| | - Khaled Trabelsi
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia;
- Research Laboratory: Education, Motricity, Sport and Health, EM2S, LR19JS01, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
| | - Karim Chamari
- Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Doha 29222, Qatar; (K.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Christabelle Sheau Miin Chong
- Sports Performance Division, Institut Sukan Negara Malaysia (National Sports Institute of Malaysia), National Sports Complex, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.S.M.C.); (S.F.A.M.K.); (P.C.F.L.); (C.J.)
| | - Siti Fuzyma Ayu Mohd Kassim
- Sports Performance Division, Institut Sukan Negara Malaysia (National Sports Institute of Malaysia), National Sports Complex, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.S.M.C.); (S.F.A.M.K.); (P.C.F.L.); (C.J.)
| | - Philip Chun Foong Lew
- Sports Performance Division, Institut Sukan Negara Malaysia (National Sports Institute of Malaysia), National Sports Complex, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.S.M.C.); (S.F.A.M.K.); (P.C.F.L.); (C.J.)
| | - Abdulaziz Farooq
- Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Doha 29222, Qatar; (K.C.); (A.F.)
| | - David B. Pyne
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra 2617, Australia;
| | - Carl James
- Sports Performance Division, Institut Sukan Negara Malaysia (National Sports Institute of Malaysia), National Sports Complex, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.S.M.C.); (S.F.A.M.K.); (P.C.F.L.); (C.J.)
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23
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de Sire A, Marotta N, Lippi L, Scaturro D, Farì G, Liccardi A, Moggio L, Letizia Mauro G, Ammendolia A, Invernizzi M. Pharmacological Treatment for Acute Traumatic Musculoskeletal Pain in Athletes. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:medicina57111208. [PMID: 34833426 PMCID: PMC8618079 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57111208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pain management is a crucial issue for athletes who train and compete at the highest performance levels. There are still evidence gaps for the use of analgesics for sports injuries despite the growing interest in training and competition settings. However, high-quality research is needed to determine the most appropriate and optimal timing and formulations in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and opioid management, particularly given the strictness of anti-doping regulations. Indeed, the role of pharmacological therapy in reducing acute traumatic pain in athletes should still be addressed to minimize the timing of return to sport. Therefore, the aim of this comprehensive review was to summarize the current evidence about pain management in the setting of acute injury in elite athletes, providing the most informed strategy for pain relief and performance recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro de Sire
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (N.M.); (L.M.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0961712819
| | - Nicola Marotta
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (N.M.); (L.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Lorenzo Lippi
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.L.); (M.I.)
| | - Dalila Scaturro
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (D.S.); (G.L.M.)
| | - Giacomo Farì
- Motor and Sports Sciences, Department of Sciences and Biological and Environmental Technologies, Salento University, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Alfonso Liccardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Lucrezia Moggio
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (N.M.); (L.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Giulia Letizia Mauro
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (D.S.); (G.L.M.)
| | - Antonio Ammendolia
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (N.M.); (L.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Marco Invernizzi
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.L.); (M.I.)
- Translational Medicine, Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
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