Return-to-play decisions following COVID-19 infection remain challenging due to persistent variability in cardiopulmonary and functional recovery. This review examines four validated functional tests: the Timed Up and Go, 6-Minute Walk Test, Kasch Pulse Step Recovery Test, and 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test and their potential roles in assessing readiness for physical activity and sport after COVID-19 infection. These office-based assessments are simple, reproducible, and sensitive to impairments in cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal function. Evidence suggests that post-COVID-19 individuals may demonstrate significant deficits in performance across functional tests, supporting their integration into return-to-play evaluations. The 6-Minute Walk Test is recommended as the primary measure of functional capacity, with the 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test as a validated alternative. Incorporating functional testing into return-to-play protocols can enhance clinical decision-making, guide rehabilitation, and promote safe resumption of physical activity.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic, increasingly prevalent condition among children and adolescent athletes. Presenting with a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms, inflammatory bowel disease also affects up to 30% of children through extraintestinal manifestations, including musculoskeletal, ocular, and dermatologic involvement. These symptoms can directly impair athletic performance and participation. Athletes with inflammatory bowel disease frequently report diminished physical activity levels, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, agility, and flexibility compared to healthy peers. Additionally, psychological challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms may further impact sports engagement and overall well-being. Despite these challenges, physical activity remains a cornerstone of supportive care, offering both psychosocial benefits and potential anti-inflammatory effects. This review outlines practical strategies for sports medicine professionals to support athletes with inflammatory bowel disease. A multidisciplinary approach - integrating gastroenterology, sports medicine, behavioral health, and coaching - can help optimize outcomes and ensure that athletes with inflammatory bowel disease remain active, resilient, and well-supported in their athletic pursuits.