ABSTRACT
ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the association of COVID-19 incidence with mental health in 225 team and staff members of five professional Austrian Football clubs captured by objective (location variance) or subjective (self-reported sleep quality, level of recovery, perceived risk of infection) mental health proxies. MethodsData collected during the implementation of a novel monitoring concept to enable safe continuation of professional Football during the COVID-19 pandemic were matched with Austrian COVID-19 incidence data and smartphone collected location data (time-period June 17th to July 31st, 2020). Multivariable linear regression models explored the association of COVID-19 incidence, defined as daily novel or active cases of COVID-19, with the objective and subjective health proxies while adjusting for the occurrence of one COVID-19 case in a staff member in one of the clubs, team status (i.e. player vs staff) and game days. ResultsData from 115 participants were analysed. An increasing number of novel COVID-19 cases was significantly associated with deteriorating sleep quality (B 0.48, 95% CI 0.05; 1.00) but with none of the other mental health proxies. An increasing number of active COVID-19 cases was significantly associated with an increase in perceived infection risk (B 0.04, 95% CI 0.00; 0.07) and location variance (B 0.28, 95% CI 0.06; 0.49). ConclusionThe adverse association of an increasing COVID-19 incidence with mental health in professional Footballers and staff members became obvious particularly in subjectively measured mental health. During the ongoing pandemic, targeted mental care should be included in the daily routines of this population. O_TEXTBOXSUMMARY BOX O_LIAn increasing COVID-19 incidence is associated with deterioration of mental health in players and staff members of professional Football teams. C_LIO_LIThe perceived COVID-19 infection risk is more pronounced in staff members than in players of professional Football clubs. C_LIO_LISurprisingly, a rise in the number of active COVID-19 cases results in an increasing location variance. C_LI C_TEXTBOX
ABSTRACT
BackgroundSince the beginning of the COVID -19 pandemic, many contact sport teams are facing major challenges to safely continue training and competition. ObjectiveWe present the design and implementation of a structured monitoring concept for the Austrian national football league Methods146 professional players from five clubs of the professional Austrian football league were monitored for a period of 12 weeks. Subjective health parameters, PCR- test results and data obtained from a geo-tracking app were collected. Simulations modelling the consequences of a COVID-19 case with increasing reproduction number were computed. ResultsNo COVID-19 infection occurred during the observation period in the players. Infections in the nearer surroundings lead to increased perceived risk of infection. Geo tracking was particularly hindered due to technical problems and reluctance of users. Simulation models suggested a hypothetical shut-down of all training and competition activities. ConclusionsA structured monitoring concept can help to continue contact sports safely in times of a pandemic. Cooperation of all involved is essential. Trial registrationID: DRKS00022166 15/6/2020 https://www.who.int/ictrp/search/en/ Key Points- The results of this study can inform the development of future prevention and monitoring strategies in professional football and beyond, potentially serving as a blueprint for the safe continuation of sports and physical activity, across a broad range of settings, during and following a pandemic such as COVID-19. - Health parameters should be digitally recorded and closely monitored to enable quick response in case of a COVID-19 infection.
