1
|
Örencik M, Schmid MJ, Schmid J, Schmid J, Conzelmann A. Overcoming adversity during the COVID-19 pandemic: Longitudinal stability of psychosocial resource profiles of elite athletes and their association with perceived stress. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2024; 72:102606. [PMID: 38341163 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102606] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that psychosocial resources are associated with elite athletes' perceived stress. However, these resources have mainly been studied separately. Using a person-oriented approach, this study aimed to identify meaningful profiles of athletes' psychosocial resources, their stability over time, and their relationship with perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. To identify such patterns, separate latent profile analyses (LPA) at two measurement points T1 (June 2020) and T2 (March 2021) and a subsequent latent transition analysis (LTA) were conducted with athletic identity, resilience, perceived social support, and self-esteem for a sample of 373 Swiss elite athletes. Perceived stress was analyzed at and between T1 and T2 with a mixed-design ANOVA. For LPA, theoretical considerations and statistical criteria led to a solution of four profiles: (1) Athletic Identifiers With Above-Average Resources (nT1 = 235; nT2 = 240), (2) Below-Average Athletic Identifiers With Below-Average Resources (nT1 = 84; nT2 = 90), (3) Variable Athletic Identifiers With Below-Average Internal and Clearly Below-Average External Resources (nT1 = 14; nT2 = 7), and (4) Athletic Identifiers With Below-Average Internal and Above-Average External Resources (nT1 = 40; nT2 = 36). For LTA, both structural and individual stability was demonstrated. A large and significant main effect of perceived stress was observed for resource profiles, while there was no significant main effect for measurement point nor interaction effect. Direct comparisons revealed that Athletic Identifiers With Above-Average Resources perceived significantly less stress than the other profiles at both time points. In conclusion, regardless of psychosocial resource profile, the perceived stress of elite athletes was stable during the COVID-19 pandemic, but exhibiting a pattern with high psychosocial resources seems to buffer against stress compared to a lack of specific resources. Therefore, sport federations and practitioners should provide tailored support programs to help athletes build all these resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merlin Örencik
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | | | - Julia Schmid
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Schmid
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Assa R, Reizer A. Professional Athletes' Well-Being: New Challenges in Post-COVID-19 Times. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:831. [PMID: 37887481 PMCID: PMC10604620 DOI: 10.3390/bs13100831] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 period was characterized as a traumatic period throughout the world. During the pandemic, sports organizations had to adapt to government rules and social distancing measures frequently and faced a challenging and complex period in keeping their athletes on a normal routine. Many athletes faced uncertainty regarding their present and future competitive context and personal worries, similar to society during the pandemic. Consequently, adverse effects on the mental health and well-being of athletes were reported in individual and team sports. This review seeks to explore the perceived impact of COVID-19 on athletes' well-being and future considerations. This review suggests professional athletes' well-being should receive more attention and will be addressed in the future for the benefit of the athletes and not just in favor of performance. Moreover, the emphasis on evidence-based psychological support such as stress management and athletes' well-being in a high-performance sport context should increase. The post-COVID-19 period highlights the importance of broadening athletic identity into a more holistic scope that includes life-performance balance and personal values outside the sporting context. Lastly, developing and fostering resilience is complex yet fundamental for systems, when considering athletes' personal context and providing them with professional skills outside of their professional domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran Assa
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hamdan Mansour AM, Khalifeh AH, Alshibi AN, Hamaideh SH, Abu Al-Khair FM, Khraisat O, Alhalaiqa FN. Exploring Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-Being in Recovered Jordanian Individuals With COVID-19: A Phenomenological Study. J Nurs Res 2023; 31:3272. [PMID: 37167611 DOI: 10.1097/jnr.0000000000000559] [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: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19-related healthcare services focus primarily on medical and physical treatments. Related treatments for psychosocial and mental health needs have not been a priority for healthcare professionals. Understanding the process by which individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 adapt psychologically will allow better planning for mental healthcare and healthcare outcomes. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore how recovered individuals with COVID-19 adapted to related psychological and social stressors during the infection period. METHODS A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to investigate a purposive sample of 13 individuals in Jordan who had recovered from COVID-19. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. RESULTS Perceptions related to being diagnosed with COVID-19 were distinguished into four major themes: conscious awareness (acceptance, victimization, and normalizing), uncertainty (apprehension and poor communication), sources of psychosocial support (caring family, healthcare professionals' support, and self-grieving), and resilience (optimism, positive thinking, and spirituality). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study indicate the need to integrate psychosocial and mental healthcare services into healthcare plans provided to individuals with COVID-19 and similar pandemic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anas H Khalifeh
- PhD, RN, ANS-PMHN, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Ahmad N Alshibi
- MSN, RN, CNS-PMHN, MHPSS Coordinator, International Medical Corps, Jordan
| | - Shaher H Hamaideh
- PhD, RN, Professor, Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Feda' M Abu Al-Khair
- PhD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology, Psychology Department, Art and Science College, Al-Ahliyya Amman University
| | - Omar Khraisat
- PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Al Ahliyya Amman University, Salt, Jordan
| | - Fadwa N Alhalaiqa
- PhD, RN, Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ning Q, Shi J. Psychological adaptation level optimization to attain the goal of sustainable education. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:1607-1621. [PMID: 36206556 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22942] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The article aimed to study the psychological adaptability of university students. Along with that, the influence of sports activities on enhancing the psychology of students is also examined. The study also analyzes the impact of music on the psychoogy of students. A two-factor model is used for analyzing the level of college students' mental health. In this study, data was collected from 555 first-year undergraduate university students through an online questionnaire survey. Levels of both positive and negative psychological factors among students are examined. The findings indicate that students who participate in sports appear to have higher levels of positive psychological characteristics than students who do not exhibit any interest in participating in sports. Additionally, students that participate in sports have lower levels of negative psychological effects than nonparticipants. As a result, the study concluded that sports and other physical activities have a positive effect on the psychology of university students. The advantages of physical activities and sports in enhancing the mental and emotional health of students are highlighted in this study. To improve students' psychology and attain better academic results, educational institutions should provide students with various opportunities for sports.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinliang Ning
- Music and Dance College of Hunan First Normal University, ChangSha, Hunan, China
| | - Junyan Shi
- College of Art of DongBang Culture University, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Petrie KA, Messman BA, Slavish DC, Moore EWG, Petrie TA. Sleep disturbances and depression are bidirectionally associated among college student athletes across COVID-19 pandemic exposure classes. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 66:102393. [PMID: 36743782 PMCID: PMC9882885 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
College athletes may be vulnerable to sleep disturbances and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of large shifts in social and athletic obligations. In a national sample of college athletes, we examined the associations between sleep disturbances and depression across two timepoints, using COVID-19 exposure as a moderator. Data were collected from 2098 NCAA Division I, II, and III college athletes during two timepoints, from April 10 to May 23, and from August 4 to September 15, 2020. First, a latent class analysis was conducted with five indicators of levels of COVID-19 exposure to determine different exposure profiles. Second, to examine the directionality of associations between sleep disturbance and depression, a cross-lagged panel model was added to the latent class membership structural equation model; this allowed for testing of moderation by COVID exposure class membership. Four highly homogeneous, well-separated classes of COVID-19 exposure were enumerated: Low Exposure (57%); Quarantine Only (21%); High Other, Low Self Exposure (14%); and High Exposure (8%). COVID-19 exposure class membership did not significantly moderate associations between sleep disturbances and depression. However, student athletes significantly differed in T2 depression by their COVID-19 exposure class membership. Depression and sleep disturbances were positively correlated at both timepoints (r T1 = 0.39; r T2 = 0.30). Additionally, cross-lagged associations were found such that T2 depression was associated with T1 sleep disturbances (β = 0.14) and vice versa (β = 0.11). These cross-lagged associations were not significantly affected by athletes' level of COVID-19 exposure during the beginning of the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyla A Petrie
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, 3601 4th St, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Brett A Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311280, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - Danica C Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311280, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - E Whitney G Moore
- Division of Kinesiology, Health & Sport Studies, College of Education, Wayne State University, 656 West Kirby Avenue FAB 2160, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Trent A Petrie
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311280, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bruyère O, Martens G, Demonceau C, Urhausen A, Seil R, Leclerc S, Le Garrec S, Le Van P, Edouard P, Tscholl PM, Delvaux F, Toussaint JF, Kaux JF. Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Short-Term Perceived Change in Physical Performance among Elite Athletes: An International Survey. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040796. [PMID: 37112708 PMCID: PMC10144569 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination raised concerns about its potential effects on physical performance. To assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the perceived change in physical performance, we conducted an online survey among elite athletes from Belgium, Canada, France and Luxembourg, with questions about socio-demographics, COVID-19 vaccination, perceived impact on physical performance and perceived pressure to get vaccinated. Full vaccination was defined as two doses of mRNA or vector vaccine or a heterologous vaccine scheme. Among 1106 eligible athletes contacted, 306 athletes answered the survey and were included in this study. Of these, 72% perceived no change in their physical performance, 4% an improvement and 24% a negative impact following full COVID-19 vaccination. For 82% of the included athletes, the duration of the negative vaccine reactions was ≤3 days. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, practicing an individual sport, a duration of vaccine reactions longer than 3 days, a high level of vaccine reaction and the perceived pressure to get vaccinated were independently associated with a perceived negative impact on physical performance of more than 3 days after the vaccination. The perceived pressure to get vaccinated appears to be a parameter associated with the negative perceived change in the physical performance and deserves further consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Bruyère
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health, Economics, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Physical Medicine and Sport Traumatology Department, SportS2, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, FIMS Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, University and University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Géraldine Martens
- Physical Medicine and Sport Traumatology Department, SportS2, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, FIMS Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, University and University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM) IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Québec National Institute of Sports (INS Québec), Montréal, QC H1V 3N7, Canada
| | - Céline Demonceau
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health, Economics, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Axel Urhausen
- Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM) IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Luxembourg Institute of Research in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Science, 1460 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Clinique du Sport, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, 1460 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Romain Seil
- Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM) IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Luxembourg Institute of Research in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Science, 1460 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Clinique du Sport, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, 1460 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgey, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, 1460 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Suzanne Leclerc
- Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM) IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Québec National Institute of Sports (INS Québec), Montréal, QC H1V 3N7, Canada
| | - Sébastien Le Garrec
- Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM) IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP), 75012 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Le Van
- Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM) IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP), 75012 Paris, France
| | - Pascal Edouard
- Sports Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Exercise Physiology, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, 42055 Saint-Etienne, France
- Inter-University Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Université Jean Monnet, Lyon 1, Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, EA 7424, F-42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Philippe M Tscholl
- Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM) IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Geneva University Hospitals, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François Delvaux
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Physical Medicine and Sport Traumatology Department, SportS2, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, FIMS Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, University and University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM) IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Toussaint
- Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM) IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- URP 7329-IRMES (Institute for Research in Medicine and Epidemiology of Sport), National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP), 75012 Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Kaux
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Physical Medicine and Sport Traumatology Department, SportS2, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, FIMS Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, University and University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport (ReFORM) IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Park I, Jeon J. Psychological Skills Training for Athletes in Sports: Web of Science Bibliometric Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11020259. [PMID: 36673627 PMCID: PMC9859147 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychological Skill Training (PST) for optimal performance in sports has received extensive attention from athletes, coaches, and experts, and numerous studies have been conducted, but despite this interest, it has not been the subject of any bibliographic analysis. The analysis covered 405 articles and reviews that were located in the Thomson Reuters Web of Science (Core CollectionTM) between 1992 and 2021. These papers were published by 1048 authors from 543 different universities across 54 countries in 107 different journals. The fundamental bibliometric calculations and co-word networks were completed. As a result, the following thematic elements were grouped into four clusters: (1) PST for stress, mental toughness, and coping, (2) PST for anxiety, motivation, self-confidence, and self-efficacy, (3) PST for flow and mindfulness, and (4) PST for emotions. From the results of this study, it was confirmed that the topic of PST is converging toward the best performance, with various approaches, such as stress management, anxiety control, and coping as techniques for PST. Furthermore, mindfulness and positive psychology studies emphasize athletes' quality of life, so coaches and experts should pay more attention to improving athletes' quality of life in future research.
Collapse
|
8
|
Purc-Stephenson RJ, Zimmerman TMJ, Edwards R. Motivation to train during a pandemic: The role of fitness resources, mental health, and motivational profiles among student-athletes in team sports. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:954086. [PMID: 36157905 PMCID: PMC9500285 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.954086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The sporting season across post-secondary institutions was canceled in March 2020 due to COVID-19, and student-athletes had to maintain their training at home. It is unclear what personal and contextual factors facilitated student-athletes' ability to maintain their training routines at home when social distancing and lockdown (SD/L) policies were put in place. Our cross-sectional study of 433 student-athletes examined (a) how athletes adapted their training, (b) what training barriers they experienced, (c) whether motivational profiles were associated with differences in training behaviors and mental health, and (d) what variables predicted athletes' motivation to train during this prolonged offseason. Student-athletes across Canada were recruited to complete an online survey between August and September 2020. Results showed that athletes significantly reduced their training load and intensity, with approximately 25% exercising two or fewer days a week. Barriers to training included limited access to fitness resources and equipment, having inconsistent training schedules, and experiencing emotional distractions, with some of these barriers more common among female athletes than male athletes. For motivation profiles, athletes with higher levels of intrinsic motivation tended to maintain the intensity of their workouts and experienced lower mood disturbance. A hierarchical multiple regression revealed that being male, being younger, having higher levels of intrinsic and introjected motivation, having access to fitness resources, maintaining a steady training schedule, having fewer emotional distractions, and lower mood disturbance were significant predictors to being motivated to train during the pandemic. We discuss strategies coaches and trainers can implement to best support their student-athletes.
Collapse
|
9
|
Harman B, Dessart G, Puke L, Philippe RA. Coping and Resilience Among Endurance Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:811499. [PMID: 35664192 PMCID: PMC9161140 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.811499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 lockdowns constrained the training opportunities of athletes resulting in physical and mental hardship. In this study, athletes involved in the outdoor endurance sports of running, cycling or swimming were recruited through Facebook groups and using online mailing lists. The final sample (n = 3,551) consisted of 576 female respondents (16.2%), and 2,975 male respondents (83.8%). The mean age of participants was 44.13 years (min = 16, max = 83, and SD = 9.84). An online survey was designed to measure variables relevant to athletes' mental health; resilience and emotion regulation strategies; mobility restrictions; training routines; personal involvement in endurance sports; age; gender; and country of residence. Overall, the results of our study indicate that during lockdown, decreases in training volume, lower lockdown-specific resilience, and holding more negative perceptions about lockdown mobility restrictions (perceived strictness) all contributed to perceived barriers to training. In the analysis, athletes' relative observance of mobility restrictions was controlled for. Athletes exhibiting high personal commitment to their sports displayed: greater lockdown resilience, a greater use of adaptive coping strategies, and lower levels of perceived barriers to training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Harman
- Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Grégory Dessart
- Institute for Social Sciences of Religions, FTSR, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Liene Puke
- Service of Adult Psychiatry North-West, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Busch A, Kubosch EJ, Bendau A, Leonhart R, Meidl V, Bretthauer B, Petzold MB, Dallmann P, Wrobel N, Plag J, Ströhle A, Hirschmüller A. Mental Health in German Paralympic Athletes During the 1st Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic Compared to a General Population Sample. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:870692. [PMID: 35498519 PMCID: PMC9047049 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.870692] [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: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has huge influences on daily life and is not only associated with physical but also with major psychological impacts. Mental health problems and disorders are frequently present in elite paralympic athletes. Due to the pandemic situation, new stressors (e.g., loss of routine, financial insecurity) might act upon the athletes. Therefore, the assessment of mental health in athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic is important to identify prevalence of psychological problems and propose countermeasures. Methods The mental health of German paralympic athletes was longitudinally monitored (starting in May 2019). The athletes completed the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4) on a weekly basis and reported a stress level, training hours, and training load. During the pandemic, 8 measurement time points (March 2020 to April 2021) were used to reflect the psychological health course of the athletes. In parallel, a convenience sample of the general population was questioned about their psychological distress, including the PHQ-4. To be included in the analysis, participants of both groups had to complete at least 4 measurement time points. Matching of the para-athletes and the general population sample was prioritized upon completion of the same measurement time points, gender, and age. Results Seventy-eight paralympic athletes (40 women, 38 men, age: 29.8 ± 11.4 years) met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-eight matched pairs of the general population (40 women; 38 men; age: 30.5 ± 10.9 years) were identified. The para-athletes had a significantly (p <0.0001; 0.39 < r <0.48) lower PHQ-4 value at each measurement time point compared to the matched control group. No significant age or sex differences were evident regarding the symptom burden. In para-athletes, no significant and a weak positive correlation was found between decreased training load and PHQ-4 values and a stress level, respectively. Reduced physical activity was significantly (p <0.0001) associated with higher PHQ-4 values in the general population sample. Discussion Lower PHQ-4 values were reported by the para-athletes compared to the general population sample. However, small sample sizes must be considered while interpreting the data. Nevertheless, adequate support for individuals suffering from severe psychopathological symptoms should be provided for para-athletes as well as for the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aglaja Busch
- Outpatient Clinic, Sport Medicine and Sports Orthopedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Division Physiotherapy, Department of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva Johanna Kubosch
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Bendau
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences CCM, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Leonhart
- Department of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Verena Meidl
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Berit Bretthauer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Moritz Bruno Petzold
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences CCM, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Dallmann
- Department of General Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nina Wrobel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Plag
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences CCM, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences CCM, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Hirschmüller
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Center—Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- ALTIUS Swiss Sportmed Center AG, Rheinfelden, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jia L, Carter MV, Cusano A, Li X, Kelly JD, Bartley JD, Parisien RL. The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental and Emotional Health of Athletes: A Systematic Review. Am J Sports Med 2022:3635465221087473. [PMID: 35413208 DOI: 10.1177/03635465221087473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused the cancellation or postponement of virtually every sporting event, resulting in training disruptions, income loss, and career uncertainties for athletes around the world. At present, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and emotional health of athletes is not well understood. PURPOSE To investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and emotional health of athletes and to identify risk factors associated with poor mental health outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify all articles reporting on athletes' mental and emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Articles were selected based on relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study characteristics, athlete demographics, and COVID-19 mental health data (sex-, type of sport-, and level of play-specific differences) were collected from each included article and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 35 studies were included in the final analysis, comprising athletes around the world and across numerous sports and levels of play. Most studies utilized at least 1 validated mental health questionnaire and assessed for outcomes such as depression, anxiety, stress, motivation, and athletic identity. Overall, athletes reported worse mental and emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic, although these effects were attenuated by home training programs and quarantine training camps. Female sex and more elite levels of play were associated with an increased risk for poor mental health outcomes. Type of sport was associated with mixed results, with individual and team sports carrying different increased risks for poor mental and emotional health. Nearly all studies recommended the need for increased psychological support of athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and emotional health of athletes is complex and multifaceted. Increased social interactions with coaches and teammates, continued access to training facilities and mental health professionals, and active utilization of healthy coping mechanisms can improve mental health outcomes for athletes in the era of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lori Jia
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael V Carter
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Xinning Li
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John D Kelly
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Robert L Parisien
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sideropoulos V, Kye H, Dukes D, Samson AC, Palikara O, Van Herwegen J. Anxiety and Worries of Individuals with Down Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study in the UK. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:2021-2036. [PMID: 35106684 PMCID: PMC8806133 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study explored the effects of the pandemic on individuals with Down Syndrome (DS; n = 67) compared to other groups with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND; n = 48) and their Typically Developing Siblings (TDS; n = 56). In total, 115 caregivers reported on their own anxiety and worries and of their children. Anxiety levels for individuals with DS appeared to be lower compared to other SEND populations and to TDS. In terms of worries, individuals with DS worried more about social-related worries but worried less about family-related aspects compared to the other groups. In sum, individuals with DS might show less anxiety but still worried more about specific aspects related to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their lives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Sideropoulos
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK.
| | - H Kye
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| | - D Dukes
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A C Samson
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Faculty of Psychology, Unidistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland
| | - O Palikara
- Department for Education Studies, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - J Van Herwegen
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
di Fronso S, Montesano C, Costa S, Santi G, Robazza C, Bertollo M. Rebooting in sport training and competitions: Athletes' perceived stress levels and the role of interoceptive awareness. J Sports Sci 2021; 40:542-549. [PMID: 34812129 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.2004679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The psychological consequences of the lockdown in the sport context have been well studied. However, few studies investigated athletes' perceived stress during the rebooting in sport training and competitions; moreover, no investigations examined the relationship between perceived stress and interoceptive awareness. To mind this gap and support the enactment of appropriate behaviours for practising sports in a unique situation, we compared athletes' perceived stress data collected during the rebooting in sport activities with normative data and with those collected during the first Italian lockdown. Furthermore, we examined the impact of interoceptive awareness towards positive and negative stress by means of regression analyses. The IPSS-10 and the MAIA questionnaire were administered to 220 athletes. Findings suggest that athletes were experiencing a detrimental situation despite the resumption of sport activities but when comparing rebooting phase with the lockdown, female athletes began to feel greater financial security thereby reducing their perceived stress. Athletes who scored high especially for body trusting - the experience of one's body as safe and trustworthy - could regulate their perceived stress levels by increasing positive and reducing negative stress. Athletes could engage in mindful activities related to the body to reduce their perceived stress levels and better deal with an unprecedented situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selenia di Fronso
- Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristina Montesano
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sergio Costa
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Santi
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Robazza
- Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bertollo
- Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Psychological States and Training Habits during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Spanish Basketball Athletes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179025. [PMID: 34501619 PMCID: PMC8430994 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions designed to slow the spread of infection greatly disrupted people’s lives. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of lockdown on the psychology, training, and sleep habits of a cohort of basketball players. An online survey involving 169 professional and amateur athletes was conducted using four validated psychological questionnaires (WLEIS-S, POMS, BRS, SMS-II) and a Likert scale to measure the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and training variables. Gender differences in fatigue (p = 0.022); friendships (p = 0.017); others’ emotional appraisal (p < 0.001); and resilience (p = 0.031) were apparent, with higher values for women in all categories bar resilience. Comparisons before and during the lockdown revealed that all participants reduced their RPE (p < 0.001); training days (p = 0.004); and training hours (p < 0.001), and experienced a decline in the quality of sleep (p < 0.001). Sleep hours (p < 0.001) increased during lockdown. The professionals and females maintained their training days (p > 0.05), while the non-professionals and males did not. Psychological states during lockdown were a predictor of the differences in training and recovery variables. In situations where training and competition are limited, it is important to develop plans to maintain physical activity, good quality sleep, and promote greater emotional management and understanding to control negative moods.
Collapse
|
15
|
Cardinale M. Preparing athletes and staff for the first "pandemic" Olympic Games. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2021; 61:1052-1060. [PMID: 34256538 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.21.12745-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus causing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of pandemic on March 11, 2020, cases have been increasing around the World with more than 3-million deaths recorded and a daily number of COVID-19 cases 20 times higher than when the Olympics were postponed, at the time of writing. Governments adopted various lockdown measures forcing isolation for many weeks/months depending on the evolution of the disease in each country. The rapid transmission of the disease forced the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to be postponed for one year. Travel restrictions, quarantine requirements and isolation have been the norm for many athletes in preparation for the Olympic Games. Also, due to the measures put in place to reduce the spread of the disease, sporting facilities have been closed and competitions cancelled forcing athletes and their staff to find alternative solutions to maintain performance and continue preparing for the Olympics. This unique challenge is affecting the whole World, and while vaccination programs start to be deployed, in a few months the world will see the first Olympic Games' edition during a pandemic. The aim of this special paper was to consider the various challenges posed by the COVID pandemic and to provide information for coaching support staff to improve the preparation for Tokyo Olympics as well as consider the possible performance implications of this unique Olympic edition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cardinale
- Department of Research and Scientific Support, Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar - .,Department of Surgery and Interventional Medicine, Institute of Sport Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK -
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mehrsafar AH, Moghadam Zadeh A, Gazerani P, Jaenes Sanchez JC, Nejat M, Rajabian Tabesh M, Abolhasani M. Mental Health Status, Life Satisfaction, and Mood State of Elite Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Follow-Up Study in the Phases of Home Confinement, Reopening, and Semi-Lockdown Condition. Front Psychol 2021; 12:630414. [PMID: 34177691 PMCID: PMC8231927 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.630414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific reports notified that the pandemic caused by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised an unprecedented mental health emergency worldwide. Abrupt changes in daily routine, environmental constraints, adopted home confinement measures, and uncertainty about a date for returning to usual activities can potentially affect mental health and sports activities in athletes. Hence, we designed a cross-sectional study with a within-subjects design to investigate the impact of the pandemic on mental health, mood states, and life satisfaction of elite athletes. During the three phases of home confinement (April 14-24, n = 525), reopening (May 9-19, n = 464), and current semi-lockdown (July 20-31, n = 428), elite athletes voluntarily responded to an online survey. The self-report questionnaire was prepared to collect demographic and epidemiological variables of interest and the COVID-19-related information. All participants also completed the Profile of Mood State (POMS), General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The main result is that the training rate, mental health, life satisfaction, and positive mood have decreased during the home confinement period as compared with the reopening and semi-lockdown phases. However, the need for psychosocial services has increased during the pandemic period. The present study provides the first preliminary evidence that home confinement conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic might have negatively influenced elite athlete's mood state, mental health, and life satisfaction, as well as training rates. Monitoring the psychological parameters of elite athletes and developing strategies to improve their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic should be on the agenda. Next studies, therefore, seem reasonable to focus on active interventions for athletes during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossien Mehrsafar
- Department of Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Moghadam Zadeh
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Gazerani
- Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jose Carlos Jaenes Sanchez
- Department of Social Anthropology, Basic Psychology & Health, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Andalusian Center of Sport Medicine, Seville, Spain
| | - Mehri Nejat
- Nejat Psychiatric and Sexual Disorders Center, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Abolhasani
- Sports Medicine Department, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Effects of Home Confinement on the Intensity of Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Team Handball According to Country, Gender, Competition Level, and Playing Position: A Worldwide Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18084050. [PMID: 33921377 PMCID: PMC8069346 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated effects of home confinement on physical activity (PA) in Team Handball during the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 1359 handball players participated (age: 23 ± 6 years). Participants from Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa answered an online version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) considering “before” and “during” confinement. COVID-19 home confinement has had a negative effect on PA (vigorous, moderate, walking, and overall). The largest decrease was in the sum parameter “all PA” (MET (metabolic equivalent of task)-min/week, ηp2 = 0.903; min/week, ηp2 = 0.861). Daily sitting time increased from 2.7 to 5.0 h per weekday (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.669). For gender, continent, country, level of handball league, and playing position, no significant differences (group and interaction effects) were observed. The largest change in PA behavior was in walking (minutes per day: ηp2 = 0.755), with males displaying the greatest decrease (from 62 ± 11 to 30 ± 14 min per weekday; d = 2.67). In terms of magnitude, difference between genders was greatest for sitting time (difference in d = 1.20). In conclusion, while COVID-19 measures were essential to preserve public health, PA was compromised and sedentary behavior increased because of these public health measures regardless of gender, playing position, and competition level.
Collapse
|