Covid-19 in Male Elite Irish-Based Athletes at a National Sports Institute

ABSTRACT

Background/Aims The impact of COVID-19 has not been previously documented in an elite sporting population. Previous reports have documented cardiorespiratory sequelae in athletes, and expert opinion-based guidance is generally employed in their rehabilitation. However, there still persists a lack of information on how COVID-19 affects elite athletes, and a standardised approach to graduated return to play (GRTP). This case series describes a cohort of six elite Irish-based athletes diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods Six athletes were followed from symptom onset until their GRTP. A retrospective case series was performed using a standardised audit form for COVID-19 among elite athletes. Results Headache and fatigue (6/6) were the commonest presenting symptoms, with mean duration 4.5 days;all athletes experienced mild illness, none required further investigation. 3/6 athletes supplemented vitamin D. Mean rest period was 11.5 days and mean GRTP 19.2 days. All athletes had an unremarkable screening electrocardiogram. Conclusion This case series presents the first clinical summary of COVID-19 illness in elite athletes based in Ireland. Treatment is largely supportive although further consideration should be given to implementing supplementation, such as vitamin D, in the management of COVID- 19. Larger, longer term studies are required to better understand the impact of COVID-19 in athletes and across different sports.