Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 government-enforced shutdown measures on the training habits and perceptions of athletes. A web-based electronic survey was developed and distributed online to athletes. The survey contained questions regarding currently available resources, changes in weekly training habits, and perceptions of training such as intensity, motivation, and enjoyment. A total of 105 (males: n = 31; females: n = 74) athletes completed the survey (mean ± SD age = 19.86 ± 2.13 years). Ninety-nine (94.3%) athletes continued to receive guidance from their primary sport coach or strength training staff. There was a significant (p < 0.001) decrease (mean ± SD) in self-reported participation time for strength training (−1.65 ± 4.32 h. week−1), endurance (−1.47 ± 3.93 h. week−1), and mobility (−1.09 ± 2.24 h. week−1), with the largest reduction coming from participation time in sport-specific activities (−6.44 ± 6.28 h. week−1) pre- to post-shutdown. When asked to rate their current state of emotional well-being using a visual analog scale of 0–100, with 100 being exceptional, the mean score was 51.6 ± 19.6 AU. Athletes experienced notable reductions in training frequency and time spent completing various training related activities. In the future, practitioners should have preparations in place in the event of another lockdown period or future pandemic to avoid or minimize significant disruptions in training. Special considerations may be needed when athletes are allowed to return to sport in the event of significant levels of detraining that may have occurred.
Highlights
In 2020, the sports world was halted by a global pandemic that resulted in a stoppage of most athletic competitions
Seventy (66.7%) athletes reported being actively participating in a winter or spring sport that was canceled due to the COVID-19 shutdown measures
Notable reductions in overall training frequency were reported during the COVID-19-related shutdown period
Summary
In 2020, the sports world was halted by a global pandemic that resulted in a stoppage of most athletic competitions. In an effort to prevent community transmission and to “flatten the curve” (in reference to reducing large spikes in positive cases and potential for high in-patient volumes), national- and state-level officials within the United States (US) implemented several restrictions and safeguards. These precautionary measures included social distancing, restrictions on public gatherings, and stay-at-home orders for several states within the US, which resulted in the closure of most non-essential businesses. Athletes had to significantly modify their training habits and environment without adequate time to secure appropriate training equipment
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