Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical, Psychological and Nutritional Characteristics of Elite Athletes: a Cross-Sectional Web Survey

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 has upended sports and sporting calendars worldwide;causing postponement or cancellations of sports events globally. Amid the lockdown, most of the athletes are left on their own at their homes. This study investigates the impact of the ongoing Pandemic on physical, psychological and nutritional characteristics of elite athletes amid COVID-19 spread. A cross sectional web survey was carried out using a validated questionnaire comprising of total 19 questions regarding the demographic details, physical, psychological and nutritional characteristics of elite athletes before and after COVID-19 Spread. The normality of data was established using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The frequency and percentage n (%) of ordinal data of participant responses were calculated. A total of ninety four elite athletes voluntarily participated, out of which 73 (78%) were male athletes. 40% were professional cricketers followed by 10% badminton and 10% table tennis players and rest 40% belong to various other sports. 76% of total athletes played their sport at the national level The vigorous intensity training schedules were routinely adapted by 39 (42%) of total athletes before the lockdown phase amid COVID-19 spread which reduced to 9(10%) afterwards. 59(63%) of total athletes self reported being in relaxed mood. 37 (39%) felt disturbed about the cancellation of tournaments and their inability to practice. Daily calorie intake was increased among 26 (28%) of athletes. Covid-19 spread has significantly impacted training regimes, eating habits, and state of mind of elite athletes. Although majority of athletes reported being in a relaxed and happy state of mind, however long periods of re-training and psychological counseling would be required to reverse the effects of detraining caused due to the ongoing Pandemic crisis.