Difference in access to Sport during Covid-19 Pandemia

Abstract

Purpose. Practicing a regular physical activity is important for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Favoring the access to sports is fundamental to promote a general well-being. The aim of the present study is to investigate how the COVID-19 Pandemia influenced sport practices, by considering the medical certificate requested in public medical centers on the period from 2018 to 2020 in the population in the province of Modena, Italy. Methods. We analyzed 30.353 medical certification requests stratified for age ( 40 years) and for sport disciplines. Results. Medical certification requests in 2020 were 67.60 % compared the year 2019. The percentage of sport certification requests reduction in the year 2020 is greater than the expected one after correting it in relation to the period of closure of the Sport Medicine Department imposed by the covid-19 emergency. Conclusions . The lockdown periods has determined a reduction in the sport certification requests and, thus, probably in competitive sport practice in young athletes in Modena, possibly leading to negative consequence on future cardiovascular e metabolic risk profile.