Changes in Training Patterns and Confidence to Return to Sport in United States Collegiate Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective To describe the training patterns, return to sport (RTS) confidence and perceived fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic summer 2020, and to compare training patterns and RTS readiness during COVID-19 versus during the 2019 summer in a cohort of Division III collegiate athletes. Methods An electronic survey of varsity athletes ≥18 years at 3 United States Division III colleges querying athlete demographics, Modified Athletic Identity Scale (mAIMS), changes in training regimen summer 2020 vs. 2019, RTS confidence, and perceived physical fitness. Results 192 surveys were completed (19% response). Total reported summer 2020 training decreased by 4 hours/week, with increased aerobic (56% vs. 53%, p=0.03) and decreased sport-specific training (48% vs 70%, p<0.001). Median RTS confidence score for formal training and competition was 3 (“neither more or less confident”) in men’s versus 2 (“less confident”) in women’s athletes. Median fitness self-assessment for men’s athletes was 3 (“neither more nor less physically fit”) compared to previous season versus median score of 2 (“less physically fit”) among women’s athletes (p=0.004). For each mAIMS unit, training increased by 11 minutes/week (95% CI: 2-19 minutes; p=0.01) and sport-specific training increased by 1.3% (95% CI: 0.5-2.2%; p=0.003), controlling for age, sport, grade and school. mAIMS was not associated with confidence or fitness rating. Conclusion Collegiate athletes decreased overall training hours, particularly sport-specific training time during the COVID-19 summer compared to the prior summer. Athletic identity was related to overall and sport-specific training hours, but not confidence to RTS or fitness.