What are the recommendations for returning athletes who have experienced long term COVID-19 symptoms?

Currently, there is limited research reporting the symptoms of long COVID among athletes, and the recommendations for athletes returning to competition/training who have experienced long COVID symptoms. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to synthesise the recommendations for returning athletes who have experienced long COVID symptoms. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO under CRD42021265939. Two authors searched the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus from August 2019-July 2021. Search terms included words related to "long COVID", "athlete" and "return". Data extraction was completed for each study by two independent investigators for: (1) first author name; (2) year of publication; (3) journal; (4) Definition of athlete (i.e. elite or non-elite) (5) Recommendations reported. A total of 220 records were found. Following title and abstract screening, 61 studies were eligible for full text screening. Overall, no studies, commentaries, editorials or reviews provided specific recommendations for "long COVID" defined as COVID-19 signs and symptoms lasting for over 4 weeks as a result of COVID-19 infection. In addition, we found no studies which reported symptoms of athletes suffering from long COVID. Despite the lack of evidence, we did find eight separate professional recommendations for managing "long-term effects" and "ongoing" or "prolonged" symptoms and COVID-19 complications among athletes. Practitioners should be aware of both mental and physical symptoms of long COVID, and additional considerations may be required for athletes who have undergone intensive care. The present review provides a list of recommendations based on existing literature that may be followed and implemented for returning athletes.Key MessagesFurther research, including longitudinal research of athletes who have tested positive for COVID-19, is required to develop evidenced-based guidelines for athletes with ongoing COVID-19 symptoms.Prior to returning to play after COVID-19 infection, a thorough medical history, physical and psychological examination should be conducted by a medical professional.Athletes should continue to monitor and record their own physical and psychological markers of health.

Reducing sedentary behaviour and cognitive function in community-dwelling older people: Study protocol for a randomized feasibility study

(1) Background: Sedentary behaviour is high among older adults and increases with ill-health and cognitive impairment. Although there is strong evidence of the deleterious effects of high sedentary levels on cardiovascular health, its role and risk to cognitive health is inconclusive. In light of the recent lockdown and COVID-pandemic, the use of web-based health promotion among older adults has become more pertinent to attaining healthier living. Therefore, this study proposes to test the feasibility of an online health coaching intervention in people aged 50+ with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). (2) Methods: This is a 13-week unblinded, single-center randomized feasibility study. People with MCI who meet study criteria (50+ years and MCI diagnosis) will be recruited from community settings nationwide. Participants will be randomized to receive online coaching or health information. The study reporting will follow the CONSORT statement. Primary outcomes will be feasibility of study and acceptability of online coaching intervention. (3) Discussion: It is hoped that if the intervention is feasible and acceptable, the study will progress to a definite large-scale study to evaluate clinical and cost-effectiveness.