ABSTRACT
Background: The global pandemic situation associated with the spread of COVID-19 virus infection has affected elite sport in all fields. All sporting events, including the Summer Olympics, have been postponed or cancelled. Restrictions caused by COVID-19 have affected the psycho- emotional health, nutrition as well as physical activity of athletes. The aim of this study: is to develop an evidence-based model for the organization of medical and psychological care in high-performance sport aimed at minimizing the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The type of research chosen: descriptive / cross-sectional study using sociological research methods, such as qualitative study - interviewing sport physicians and athletes with semi-structured interview guide and quantitative study method by using the validated questionnaire. Conclusion: The developed model of organization of medical and psychological care in high-performance sport will allow timely and effective assessment of the psycho-emotional and physical health of athletes in order to identify problems early and take appropriate measures to counteract the effects of the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Elite sport is a model of the athletes activity, where the athletes during their professional life, are exposed to high physical and psychological stress. The athletes medical support faces unique challenges, often in unusual conditions. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have not spared athletes either. Ensuring the physical and mental health of athletes is key. The role of a sports physician is not only to provide medical support, but also to provide a kind of guardianship, training and leadership in promoting and protecting the philosophy of a healthy mind in a healthy body in all athletes.