Metabolic And Psychological Consequences after Sports Interruption In Ex-elitè Athletes

Abstract

PURPOSE: Regular sports activity has several positive effects however few data is available about the eventual disadvantages in competitive athletes, when agonistic sports is physiologically stopped. The study aims to verify the possible consequences after sports interruption. METHODS: 23 elite athletes (17 M and 3 F aged 52.4 ± 16.6, 16 from Italy and 4 from Israel), retired since 20 years from various sports discipline (2 sailing,7 soccer, 3 cycling, 2 combat sports, 2 fencing, 3 swimming and 1 tennis ) were investigated by a questionnaire. The EQ- 5D was used as a standardized measure of health status, presence of any co-morbidity,their quality of life and health. All athletes have stopped to participating in national and international competitions and have significantly reduced their level of physical activity. Morbility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort were classified in three different levels: Level 1 - no difficulty; Level 2 - some difficulty; Level 3 - serious difficulties .A numerical scale regarding state of health, ranging from 1 to 10, has been used. Anxiety /depression were evaluated using Questionnaire Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ( HADS ). RESULTS: The average BMI value was of 24.8 ( ± 2.6 SD). 9 of ex-athletes were overweight and 1 was obese; 4 suffered of arrhythmias, 3 had cancer (oral cavity, breast and melanoma ), an athlete had an exercise-induced asthma, and one was affected by diabetes. Only 12 ex- athletes (60% ) were free of medication, while 5 subjects have a single drug and 2 had more than 3 medications; among these, two were submitted to a coronary bypass . 6 of the athletes (30 % ) were suffering of post- orthopedic surgical syndrome . 9 of ex-athletes (45%) were smokers, none has reported to consume alcohol, 3 were hypertensive and one was submitted to a pharmacological treatment for hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. 6 (30 % ) had a real anxiety disorder (15 % ) and the rest(55 %) was normal .Only 2 of ex- athletes (10%) are at risk of depression. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increase in BMI, data are suggestive for a correct lifestyle in ex- athletes, after stopping their competitive sports. A predominant discomfort is pain and psychological aspects particularly depression and anxiety, related to a reduction of quality of life. All these aspects cannot be exclusively explained by “the absence of the sports activity, ”. A multifactorial etiology needs to be investigated.