Evaluation of COVID-19 Restrictions on Distance Runners' Training Habits Using Wearable Trackers

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training and technology use among Chilean amateur athletes

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic was a health problem which affected the entire world. Sports were strongly affected, especially outdoors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on training and technology use among Chilean amateur athletes.

Method

An observational descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out during the 2021-2. Nonprobabilistic convenience sample of people over 18 years. Data were obtained via online survey and analyzed with Stata 16.0 statistical program for runners, triathletes, cyclists.

Results

The sample was 179 athletes, average age was 42.5 years ±10.2; males were 58.6%. 22.65% of the sample were triathletes, 58% runners, and 18.2% cyclists. Training habits were measured during Pre-Pandemic (PP), Pandemic With Quarantine (PWQ), and Pandemic Without Quarantine (PWOQ). In total sample, a decrease was observed in variables of average training frequency of 1.28 sessions per week (p = 0.001; d = 0.648); weekly average training time of 189.63 min (p = 0.005; d = 0.293); days per week with high and medium intensity training of 0.95 (p = 0.001; d = 0.833) and 0.37 (p = 0.001; d = 0.327) respectively; and days per week with cardio training of 1.01 (p = 0.001; d = 0.678), comparing the PP and PWQ periods. When comparing PWQ and PWOQ, an increase was observed in the same variables mentioned above of 1,57 sessions per week (p = 0.001; d = 0.513); 162.68 min per week (p = 0.020; d = -0.245); days per week with high of 0.82 (p = 0.001; d = -0.714) and medium intensity training of 0.46 (p = 0.001; d = -0.412); days per week with cardio training of 1.14 (p = 0.001; d = -0.730); and included strength training of 0.42 (p = 0.012; d = -0.312). For technology incorporation, over 78% (p = 0.023) claimed to used devices to measure training, with the watch being the preferred device in over 72% (p = 0.002) during the three timeframes. Highlighted the rise in use of training software during and after the lockdown period of more than 23% (p < 0.001).

Discussion

All variables related with training habits decreased comparing PP and PWQ and all variables rose between PWQ and PWOQ; however, comparing PP and PWOQ, there are small differences, which do not always favor the PWOQ, reflecting how athletes have not yet been able to recover their training rhythms. Finally, we should note that the use of technology increased, in all periods.

A worldwide comparison of long-distance running training in 2019 and 2020: associated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective

The goal of the present study was to investigate possible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-distance running training.

Methods

This is a retrospective study with a within-subject design. We analyzed 10,703,690 records of running training during 2019 and 2020, from 36,412 athletes from around the world. The records were obtained through web scraping of a large social network for athletes on the internet. A potential long-distance runner was defined as a user of the social network who had a record of running at least one of the six World Marathon Majors by 2019.

Results

In 2020, compared with 2019, in total there was a 3.6% decrease in the number of athletes running, a 7.5% decrease in the distance and 6.7% in the duration of running training. There were large variations in these variables throughout 2020, reaching 16% fewer athletes running weekly and 35% lower running distance (Cohen's d = 0.34, p < 0.001) and 33% lower running duration (Cohen's d = 0.30, p < 0.001) in September 2020. The beginning of the decrease in running training in the first quarter of 2020 coincides with the beginning of the adoption of measures to restrict the COVID-19 pandemic; but as of the second quarter of 2020, running training appears to have undergone variations unrelated to the preventive measures. Among the ten most represented countries in the dataset, running training in Brazil appears to have been the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and restriction measures.

Conclusion

The wide variations in long-distance running training throughout 2020 are likely related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As for the total volume, the observed decreases of up to 7.5% in the outcome variables related to running training in 2020 could also be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, but other factors such as injury, illness or lack of interest, may also have contributed to these decreases.