Back Onside: A Qualitative Study to Understand Experiences of Involvement in a Physical Activity Programme in Adults Who are Unemployed or At-Risk of Unemployment

Unemployment or being at-risk of unemployment is a health risk factor. Back Onside is a physical activity programme run in Bradford (UK) by the Bradford Bulls Foundation. It is aimed at improving the mental and physical health and wellbeing of adults who are unemployed or at-risk of unemployment. The programme is delivered in a relaxed and sociable environment to help build a positive mindset towards physical activity. We conducted semistructured interviews with participants on the programme (n = 5) and external stakeholders (n = 6) between 24 June and 12 July, 2021. Data analysis was completed using the context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) framework of realist evaluation. Four CMOs were identified: (1) resocialisation following COVID-19 lockdown restrictions;(2) congruence between the programme and participants' goals;(3) engaging people in enjoyable activities;and (4) inclusive environments. We recommend future programmes to take an inclusive and relaxed approach to physical activity and be congruent with participants' goals and values to ensure participants' feel supported and adhere to the programmes.

Under-researched populations and topics in sport and exercise medicine (SEM)

Correspondence to Dr Sharief Hendricks, Division of Physiological Sciences and Health through Physical Activity, Lifetsyle and Sport Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape 7725, South Africa;sharief.hendricks01@gmail.com In this South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) edition of BJSM, we spotlight work on under-researched populations and topics in sport and exercise medicine (SEM). Youth sport, TGNC athletes and mental health Access to athlete mental health care, like physical care, can be considered a resource that allows athletes to function, cope with stress, perform and achieve their goals. In 2019, the IOC established the Mental Health Working Group to develop an assessment battery for the early identification of mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes.3 The internal consistency of the mental health assessment battery has been tested in elite athletes, but can the same internal consistency be shown for student athletes?

Practice to pitch: The relationship between force-velocity profiles and match-day performance of semi-professional rugby union players.

Introduction: This exploratory study aimed to assess the relationship between athlete neuromuscular performance and rugby performance indicators. Specifically, the study looked at the force-velocity profiles (FVPs) derived from four common resistance exercises and their relationship with rugby performance indicators (RPIs). Methods: The study recruited twenty-two semi-professional male rugby players (body mass 102.5 ± 12.6 kg, height 1.85 ± 0.74 m, age 24.4 ± 3.4 years) consisting of ten backs and twelve forwards. Prior to the first game of a Covid-impacted nine-match season, participants performed four common resistance exercises (barbell box squat, jammer push-press, sled pull, and sled push) at incremental loads to establish force-velocity profiles. During the season, rugby performance indicators (post-contact metres, tries, turnovers conceded, tackles, try assists, metres ran, defenders beaten, and tackle breaks) were collated from two trusted sources by a performance analyst. Correlational analyses were used to determine the relationship between the results of FVPs and RPIs. Results: The study found a statistically significant, moderate, positive correlation between tackle-breaks and sled push V 0 (r = .35, p = .048). Significant, large, positive correlations were also found between tackles and jammer push-press V 0 (r = .53, p = .049) and tackle-breaks and sled pull F 0 (r = .53, p = .03). There was a significant, negative relationship between sled pull V 0 and tackle-breaks (r = -.49, p = .04). However, the largest, significant correlation reported was between metres ran and sled pull F 0 (r = .66, p = .03). Conclusion: The study suggests that a relationship may exist between FVPs of particular exercises and RPIs, but further research is required to confirm this. Specifically, the results suggest that horizontal resistance training may be best to enhance RPIs (tackle-breaks, tackles, and metres ran). The study also found that maximal power was not related to any rugby performance indicator, which suggests that a specified prescription of either force or velocity dominant exercises to enhance RPIs may be warranted.

Introducing the speech therapist in the Neonatology Unit: an innovative way to support breastfeeding in healthy newborns even during COVID-19 pandemic

Objective. The aim of the study was to intercept early problems and difficulties in onset and stabilization phases of breastfeeding, in a population of healthy full-term newborns - during the COVID-19 pandemic - through a Clinical Governance Project, supported by the Department of Neonatology and Pediatrics, which introduced a speech therapist, as part of the professional team acting synergistically with neonatologists, pediatricians, pediatric nurses, midwives and gynecologists. Materials and Methods. Over a period of two months (2020), n = 72 newborns, 38 males and 34 females, were recruited (mean age:1.3 days) in the Departments of Neonatology and Obstetrics and Gynecology of Castelli Hospital, ASLRM6. Lingual frenulum neonatal screening (Martinelli, 2015) was administered to all the newborns and the frenulum was classified as normal, doubtful or impaired. Breastfeeding difficulties were evaluated and speech therapist counseling was performed, to support early onset and stabilization of breastfeeding. Results. Lingual frenulum screening resulted normal in 36 (50%), doubtful in 20 (28%) and impaired in 16 (22%) of total newborns. An alteration of both lingual and upper labial frenulum was found in 16 (22%) of the newborns studied. n = 23 newborns (32%) showed alterations able to hinder breastfeeding: these cases were successfully managed by helping the mothers to change the breastfeeding position, adopting a rugby hold position. Conclusions. According to our preliminary results, speech therapist counselling, in the critical COVID-19 pandemic, allowed early detection of lingual frenulum alterations, and their impact on the onset of breastfeeding. We found that altered lingual frenulum was associated with breastfeeding difficulties: in these patients, speech therapist intervention resulted useful in managing early breastfeeding problems.

Physical condition and heart rate rest of yogyakarta rugby pon team players during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: To identify the correlation between different fitness indicators of rugby players in training conditions during quarantine related to Covid-19. Material and methods. The study involved athletes from PON Rugby DIY (n = 28, including 15 male athletes and 13 female athletes). To assess the level of physical fitness, the following tests were used: to assess the level of strength, push ups for 1 minute (number) and squats for one minute (number) were used;the yo-yo test was used to assess the level of endurance;speed was assessed using a 40 meter running test (s);agility by performing an Illinois agility test;power (speed-strength abilities) was assessed by the value of the vertical jump (cm);and for the heart rate was determined by the athlete independently within 60 seconds after waking up. The data collection method in this study is test and questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS V 25 software. Results. It was shown that endurance has a strong correlation with power with r value (0.651) and significant p = 0.000. Speed ?also has a strong correlation with strength, as evidenced by the r (0.538) value with a significant p = 0.003. Strength has a strong correlation with power, as evidenced by the value of r (0.561) with a significant value of p = 0.002. Speed ?has a very strong correlation with agility, as evidenced by the value (0.935) with a significant p = 0.000. Conclusions. It was found that endurance does not correlate with resting heart rate, and endurance does not correlate with strength, because the load of the training program was not optimally implemented by athletes in the Covid-19 quarantine. © Antonius Tri Wibowo, 2020.

Introducing a model of business sustainability in English professional rugby union

Research question: The transition of rugby union as the last major team sport to go professional in 1995, has remained problematic. With ongoing challenges with financial health, the impact of COVID-19 and the need for more effective governance, the game has reached a pivotal moment in its history, if it is to become a sustainable sports business. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a model that identifies key characteristics of business sustainability in English professional rugby. Research methods: This paper is designed to position a case for change, by examining a range of issues that can deliver a theoretical method to support the achievement of sustainability of professional rugby union, and specifically the Gallagher Premiership. The development of the model is considered a starting point for further research based on the theoretical application of the economics of team sports and sports business modelling. Research findings: The development of a sustainable business model in professional rugby union has led to the identification of four key characteristics related to cost control, profit maximisation, business model innovation and governance. Practical implications: The authors argue that unless the custodians of the game take note of the need for reform relating to the extant models of business practice being operated in the Gallagher Premiership, there is the acute possibility that the growth of the game may be stifled or even cease to exist when the game is at its most popular. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Home advantage and crowd attendance: evidence from rugby during the Covid 19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic forced almost all professional and amateur sports to be played without attending crowds. Thus, it induced a large-scale natural experiment on the impact of social pressure on decision making and behavior in sports fields. Using a data set of 1027 rugby union matches from 11 tournaments in 10 countries, we find that home teams have won less matches and their point difference decreased during the pandemic, shedding light on the impact of crowd attendance on the home advantage of sports teams. © 2022 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston 2022.

Rugby's Celtic fringe goes global – an economic analysis of the Pro14

Purpose>The introduction of professionalism in 1995 posed serious challenges for Rugby Union in Ireland, Scotland and Wales given their limited fan bases and broadcast markets. It led to the creation of a new league, the Pro14, with teams from all three countries. The paper asks whether the Pro14 has been a success and whether it might offer lessons for other sports. It thus seeks to extend the knowledge base on professional team sports and derive lessons for management of professional sports leagues in small countries.Design/methodology/approach>The authors analyse Pro14 performance using a range of metrics, including attendances, competitive balance and team performances, in European competitions. The authors also analyse the limited financial data available for Pro14 teams.Findings>Pro14 teams have competed successfully in European competition, offering support for claims that mergers of smaller country leagues could improve competitive balance in European soccer. The Pro14 has increased attendances through specific measures and increased broadcast income through geographic expansion. Many Pro14 teams have struggled financially. Several English and French rugby clubs have also experienced financial problems, suggesting that European rugby may need to introduce financial fair play rules (FFPs) similar to soccer.Practical implications>The paper has implications for the Pro14 and its member clubs, particularly with reference to competition design. It may also have lessons for European football where some have suggested that mergers of smaller country leagues could improve competitive balance in European competitions.Originality/value>The paper contributes to the academic discussion on professional team sports, particularly Rugby Union. The paper has implications for Pro14 clubs and league organisers, particularly with reference to competition design. It may also have lessons for European soccer where some have suggested that mergers of smaller country leagues could reduce the dominance of larger country leagues.

Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on injury incidence and burden in amateur rugby union.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse match and training injury incidence rates and burden from pre-(2019) and post-COVID-19 (2021) seasons; To analyse injury related variables as mechanisms, type, body locations, severity and the differences of the most common injuries according to playing positions. DESIGN: An observational study was performed according to the consensus statement on injury definitions and data collection from World Rugby. Injury variables were collected retrospectively for 2019 season and prospectively during 2021 season. SETTING: Argentinian amateur rugby club. PARTICIPANTS: Male (n = 110) senior amateur rugby players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Match and training time loss injuries, time of exposures and injury related variables. RESULTS: Training incidence rate during post-lockdown season (4.2/1000 player-training-hours) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the pre-lockdown season (0.9/1000 player match hours). Post-lockdown hamstring strain injury (HSI) and concussions match incidence rates were significantly (p < 0.001; p < 0.05 respectively) higher in comparison with 2019 season. Regarding playing positions, backs showed a significantly increase (p < 0.05) in HSI match incidence rate post lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: After the COVID-19 lockdown, training incidence rate was significantly higher than previous season (2019), showing the impact of the lockdown restrictions. Coaches and medical staff must consider that players probably need more lead-in time for conditioning and more monitoring after periods of no rugby.

“Is the focus in professional rugby ever really on health?”: A qualitative study on the uptake of illness prevention guidelines in rugby

Illness prevention is essential for athlete health management, but little is known about its uptake in sport. Prior to the pandemic, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) published a consensus statement recommending illness prevention guidelines are implemented in sports. Yet, little is known about guideline uptake. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the (1) illness experiences of rugby players and athlete support personnel and (2) barriers and enablers to illness prevention guideline uptake in rugby, using the lens of behaviour change theory. In a bid to inform and enhance athlete welfare, we sought to amplify the voices of participants through qualitative inquiry. Between August 2020 and May 2021, 16 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with players and athlete support personnel working across rugby. Analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. Prior to COVID-19, participants deemed illness to be of little concern, with experience of illnesses and the global pandemic critical enablers to guideline uptake. The rugby environment was a barrier to illness prevention, particularly in women's and academy teams where resource deficiency was highlighted. ‘Rugby identity’ acted as both a barrier and enabler with participants’ passion for rugby driving both guideline adherence and non-adherence. Tackling resource inequalities between men's and women's cohorts is critical to effectively implement guidelines. Coach and player education is essential, and emphasis must be placed on continuing preventative behaviours adopted due to COVID-19. Our findings offer new insight into illness prevention, moving away from prevailing quantitative research, and instead voicing players’ experiences. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd

Premiership Rugby's response to COVID-19: a competition law analysis

Professional sport has undoubtedly been hit hard by COVID-19. Clubs and governing bodies have had to adapt rapidly to the public health emergency and have come under great financial and regulatory strain. Some sports have weathered the storm better than others, though, and professional rugby union experienced significant off-field turbulence, with wages reductions seen across the English Premiership. This article will examine the conduct of Premiership Rugby and its clubs during the COVID-19 crisis from a competition law perspective and will argue that, by acting in concert, Premiership and the clubs may have breached UK competition law.

Tackle and ball carrier demands of rugby league: a seven-year league-wide study including over 1,000,000 tackle events.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the highest frequency and variability for tackle events in rugby league. Investigate seasonal differences in total tackle events per match over a seven-year period. DESIGN: Retrospective observational. METHODS: Tackle events (i.e., ball carrier events [attacker] and tackler involvements [defender]) from 864 male professional rugby league players competing in 1176 Super League matches from 2014 to 2020 were included. A series of linear mixed effect models were used to determine the frequency and variability during peak 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 40-min and whole-match tackle events per player per match at a positional group level. Differences between seasons for the total number of tackle events per match were compared using a one-way analysis of variance and with Tukey's honestly significant difference test. RESULTS: Tackle events were greatest for Props (51.5 [47.7-55.4] per match). Within-players, between-matches, and between-seasons variability was <10 % for tackle events. There were significantly less tackle events and tackler involvements per match in 2014 and a significantly more tackle events per match in season 2020b when compared with all other seasons. CONCLUSIONS: Large between-position variability in peak tackle events, ball carrier events, and tackler involvements would suggest that coaches should separate players into positional groups and prescribe training accordingly. Total number of tackle events, ball carrier events, and tackler involvements were significantly greater in season 2020b when compared to season 2014 to 2019 (inclusive) which may be a consequence of rule changes introduced to the sport.

The incidence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in South African professional rugby players - AWARE II.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infections in South African professional rugby union players in different phases of return-to-competition during a pandemic. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Players reported their history of SARS-CoV-2 infection before/during a national competition, using an online questionnaire (physician verified). Three periods of return to training/competition after a nation-wide complete lockdown during a pandemic were studied: 1) non-contact training, 2) contact training, 3) competition. The total period was 184 days (20/07/2020-20/01/2021) including 45 matches. Outcomes were: 1) incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (I: per 1000 player days; 95%CI) in each period (calculated using a Poisson distribution), 2) player symptoms, 3) median days to return-to-training following SARS-CoV-2 infection, 4) method of transmission, and 5) percentage matches cancelled due to SARS-CoV-2 infections. RESULTS: 185 players had 42 physician verified positive SARS-CoV-2 infections (I = 1.23; 95%CI: 0.86-1.61). Incidences during the three periods were: non-contact training = 0, contact training (I = 1.04; 0.36-1.71; mostly forwards), and competition (I = 1.54; 1.00-2.10). 83 % of the infected players were symptomatic and 52 % of the 42 positive players had systemic symptoms. Median return-to-training was 14 days. 22 (52 %) SARS-CoV-2 infections were rugby-related: 13 off-field (31 %), 9 on-field (21 %). 11 % of matches were cancelled due to SARS-CoV-2 infections. CONCLUSIONS: As contact in rugby was introduced back into the game following lockdowns there was an increasing incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. On-field rugby activities were responsible for 21 % of SARS-CoV-2 infections and 11 % of matches had to be cancelled, indicating the need for risk mitigation strategies.

Prolonged restricted training, fixture congestion and player rotation: What the COVID-19 pandemic taught us about injury risk in professional collision sport.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID19-induced suspension of the 2019-20 professional England rugby union season resulted in players being exposed to an extended restricted training period, coupled with a congested match schedule once competition resumed. We assessed the impact of these changes on match and training injuries in the final 20-weeks of the season following competition resumption. DESIGN: Epidemiological study. METHODS: The 2019-20 season was compared to the previous three seasons (2016-19). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean incidence, severity and burden of training and match injuries in 2019-20 compared to 2016-19 period mean. The 2019-20 post-suspension mean match injury rate [77/1000 h (95%CIs [confidence intervals]: 67-89)] was comparable to the 2019-20 pre-suspension [93/1000 h (95%CIs: 85-101)] and significantly lower than the 2016-19 equivalent post-suspension period [97/1000 h (95CIs: 90-104) IRR [incidence rate ratio] 0.8 p=0.002]. In the 2019-20 season, there was a significantly higher rate of training injury post-suspension in comparison to pre-suspension [3.8/1000 h (95CIs: 3.3-4.4) vs 2.7/1000 h (95% CIs: 2.5-3.1) IRR 1.4 p=0.005]. There was no significant difference in the overall incidence, severity or burden of injuries sustained in fixtures with shorter (<6 days) turnarounds but there was a significantly higher burden of soft tissue injuries. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to assess the effect of restricted training on injury risk in collision sports. Players were at an increased risk of training injury when returning from the suspension, but 10-weeks of preparatory training meant the incidence of match injury was not higher when competition resumed.

The impact of implementing a multicomponent recovery pathway for patients undergoing unicompartmental knee replacement on length of stay

Keywords: unicompartmental, pathway, outcomes Purpose: Unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is the gold standard surgical management of patients with unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee. As UKR surgery is less invasive, this potentially allows patients to be discharged quicker than those patients undergoing total knee replacement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective surgeries were postponed and new ways of working were required to restart procedures. In order to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19, we established a new multicomponent recovery pathway (MRP) for patients undergoing UKR to facilitate earlier discharge. Objective: To evaluate the impact of the MRP on length of stay. Methods: The MRP was introduced in August 2020 to provide day-case surgery where possible. All patients undergoing UKR at St Cross Hospital, Rugby were eligible for inclusion in the trial. Exclusion criteria was lack of support at home and uncontrolled co-morbidities. Patients who were assessed preoperatively, but unsuitable for the day-case service followed all other aspects of the enhanced recovery pathway (ERP). The ERP included a new anaesthetic protocol of prilocaine spinal anaesthesia, limiting tourniquet use, and multimodal postoperative analgesia. From a physiotherapy perspective, new individualised pre-operative assessment and education sessions were introduced, with mobilisation commencing on the day of surgery. Patients were discharged with their knee in full extension and returned at day 4 for postoperative review and initiation of flexion. Data was collected prospectively for patients receiving the MRP and compared to a historical cohort from the previous year. Primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). LOS data was assessed for normality and analysed using the students t-test. Results: Following introduction of the MRP 30 patients underwent UKR and were included in the analysis. Patients in the MRP group were significantly older (65.6 vs. 60.1 years, p < 0.05), although no other baseline differences were observed. Whilst there was a reduction in the use of general anaesthesia (30% vs 59%, p = 0.0917) and tourniquets (53% vs 68%, p = 0.3925), this did not reach statistical significance although there was a significant increase in the use of Prilocaine (30% vs 0%, p < 0.01). Following the introduction of the MRP, LOS reduced significantly (1.4 vs 2.9 days, p < 0.001), with no significant differences observed in joint range of motion (ROM) between groups. Within the MRP group, 9 patients (30%) received all key components (prilocaine spinal anaesthesia, no tourniquet and enhanced physiotherapy), 8 of which were discharged as day-case. Conclusion(s): The MRP was successful in reducing LOS in patients undergoing UKR, with no impact on joint ROM. The biggest impact was observed for those patients who received all components. Future work should explore methods to improve compliance with the pathway to maximise patient benefit. Impact: The positive results seen through introducing the MRP has a number of potential benefits. Alongside a reduction in LOS with benefits to patients and cost savings to the trust, the additional bed capacity released will allow increased throughput of patients which could be significant for the waiting list accrued as a result of the cessation of elective surgery due to Covid-19. Funding acknowledgements: n/a

Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in the New Life With COVID-19: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Japan Rugby Top League Players.

Objectives: The primary objective is to compare the prevalence of mental health problems, including psychological distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms in Japan Rugby Top League players in the new life with COVID-19 with those evaluated before COVID-19. Methods: An observational comparative web-based cross-sectional study was employed for Japan Rugby Top League players. We compared the data from 220 Japanese and 7 foreign players during the new life with COVID-19 with the data from before COVID-19, which was obtained from 233 Japanese and 18 foreign players. We measured anxiety and depression symptoms with the validated Kessler-6, which has been widely used in clinical and research settings among different populations. To investigate the distribution of K6 score and whether there are discrete clusters or not, we conducted the two-step cluster analysis. Results: In the new life with COVID-19, 15.0% of players reported mild symptoms, which was significantly lower than the 32.3% of players before COVID-19. The prevalence of moderate and severe symptoms was 6.7 and 3.5%, respectively, in the group during the new life with the COVID-19, and 4.8 and 5.2% in the pre-COVID-19 group, with no significant difference. A two-step cluster analysis supported the existence of these two qualitatively different clusters in both groups. Conclusions: With the spread of new lifestyles related to COVID-19, some rugby players may have improved mental health status due to changes in their daily living environment. Such environmental adjustments alone may not have been sufficient to change the mental health status of others. Rugby players or their teams may require mental health professionals and systems that ensure rest, adjust the environment, and sustainably provide more professional care.

A Machine Learning Approach to Analyze Home Advantage during COVID-19 Pandemic Period with Regards to Margin of Victory and to Different Tournaments in Professional Rugby Union Competitions.

Home advantage (HA) is the tendency for sporting teams to perform better at their home ground than away from home, it is also influenced by the crowd support, and its existence has been well established in a wide range of team sports including rugby union. Among all the HA determinants, the positive contribute of the crowd support on the game outcome can be analyzed in the unique pandemic situation of COVID-19. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the HA of professional high-level rugby club competition from a complex dynamical system perspective before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. HA was analyzed in northern and southern hemisphere rugby tournaments with (2013-2019) and without (2020/21) crowd support by the means of the exhaustive chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision trees (DT). HA was mitigated by the crowd absence especially in closed games, although differences between tournaments emerged. Both for northern and southern hemisphere, the effect of playing without the crowd support had a negative impact on the home team advantage. These findings evidenced that in ghost games, where differences in the final score were less than a converted try (7 points), HA has disappeared.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Away and Home Victories in Soccer and Rugby Union.

Objective: To measure the impact of restrictions due to COVID on the proportion of matches won at home, away and draw in professional soccer and rugby union. Materials and Methods: Two samples of professional soccer and rugby union matches were collected from 2012-13 to 2020-21 seasons. For soccer, data involved first and second division matches of the England, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Scotland, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey championships. For rugby union, championships concerned are Premiership Rugby, Celtic League, Top 14, and Pro D2. The proportions of home, away wins and draw were calculated and compared. A chi-square test of independence between years and types of result was realized to identify an overall inhomogeneity. Results: The proportion of away matches won between the 2012-13 and 2020-21 seasons increased significantly from 28.5 ± 1.2% to 32.5 ± 1.5% in soccer and from 38.0 ± 3.6% to 42.8 ± 5.0% in rugby union. In Premiership Rugby championship, the victory percentage at home dropped from 55.8 ± 3.1% when tifosi were present to 45.8 ± 12.8% when they were not. Conclusion: The home advantage was drastically reduced in empty stadiums for several European soccer and rugby union professional championships. It vanished in the Premiership Rugby and Celtic League during the 2020-21 season.

Eating habits and mental health among rugby players of the Peruvian pre-selection during the second quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the mental health and diet of populations. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the eating habits and mental health status of the rugby players of the Peruvian pre-selection were affected by the second quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out through a pre-structured online survey in 74 players, 42 men (56.8%) and 32 women (43.2%). The mean age was 20.5 ± 4.4 years. Participants completed a validated food frequency questionnaire and depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 (DASS-21). RESULTS: 58.1% of the respondents reported that their dietary intake remained the same or increased. 58.3% of the players experienced anxiety, among which 26.4% reported moderate and severe symptoms. A greater proportion of participants <20 years old reported depression compared to those ⩾20 years (68.6% vs 31.4%, p = 0.010). Those who reported inadequate food intake were more likely to report depressive symptoms (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: These findings reaffirm the need to implement programs of psychological support and nutritional counseling among athletes to reduce negative symptoms and better face mental health and dietary challenges in these times of crisis.