Effect of Online Training during the COVID-19 Quarantine on the Aerobic Capacity of Youth Soccer Players.

Paweł Kalinowski,Jakub Myszkowski,Jakub Marynowicz

doi:10.3390/ijerph18126195

Paweł Kalinowski, Jakub Myszkowski + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126195

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Abstract

Motor abilities, such as endurance and the optimal level of physical activity, play a fundamental role in football as they are necessary to maintain the high effectiveness of the training process. The aim of this study was the observation of the trend of changes in the level of cardiorespiratory endurance of young football players in a one-year cycle overlapping with the COVID-19 lockdown and an assessment of the impact of the training intervention during home confinement. The participants of the study were 24 young football players. We analysed the results of the study in a one-year training cycle (lockdown from 11 March 2020 to 6 May 2020). The cardiorespiratory endurance was measured using the Multistage 20 m Shuttle Run test—Beep Test. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used in the study. Detailed comparisons were made using Tukey’s HSD test. Statistically significant differences were noted in endurance in a one year cycle: F(5.115) = 22.65; p < 0.001; partial Eta-squared = 0.50. An increase in the level of endurance by mean = 179.17 m, SD ± 189.87 m was noted between T1 and T6. After the break caused by the COVID-19 restrictions, a decrease in the level of cardiorespiratory endurance was noted. Only after two training mesocycles was a significant increase in the mean value noted compared to the period before the pandemic (p < 0.05). With the negative impact of restrictions in mind, coaches and physiotherapists should exercise caution when planning training, taking into consideration the level of physical activity during the pandemic.

Highlights

IntroductionHealth Organisation [1], placed the sport community in a new reality
The global COVID-19 pandemic, which was declared on 11 March 2020 by the WorldHealth Organisation [1], placed the sport community in a new reality
The study aimed to analyse the trend in the changes in the level of cardiorespiratory endurance of young football players in a one-year cycle, which included the COVID-19 lockdown, and the assessment of the effect of training intervention during home confinement

Summary

Introduction

Health Organisation [1], placed the sport community in a new reality. Sports activities of children and youths were completely suspended. In many countries, including Poland, so called lockdown was introduced, which involved restrictions, such as banning the free mobility of children below 16 years of age, contributing to limitations on physical activity. The effect of lockdown on children and youth sport was difficult to predict. It was assumed that isolating players from the community would have mental and social consequences in the long term [3,5]. The suddenly introduced restrictions related to the COVID-19 lockdown resulted in interrupting the continuity of the training cycle, causing changes in the course and organisation of work with players of football academies. The restrictions introduced to protect public health, even though they were necessary, may have had detrimental consequences for mental health and general fitness

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