Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Pandemic on Physical Activity, Mental Health and Quality of Life in Professional Athletes—A Systematic Review

Abstract

Due to the rapid rate of spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, a number of restrictions have been introduced into public spaces, including those related to the operation of sports facilities, compounding the difficulty for athletes to conduct appropriate forms of training. The aim of this study was to review current scientific reports assessing the impact of the pandemic on the physical activity, mental state, and quality of life of professional athletes. Popular scientific databases—PubMed, Scopus, and Embase—were systematically searched from the beginning of the pandemic until 12 July 2021. According to the adopted criteria, 14 articles were included in the review. Ten of the qualified studies determined the impact of the pandemic on the physical activity of athletes. The authors of 11 papers assessed the mental state and quality of life of athletes during the pandemic. The studies showed negative effects of the pandemic: a decrease in overall physical fitness and number of days and hours of training, as well as an increase in the occurrence of negative emotions (stress, fatigue, and depression) and a decrease in sleep quality. Changes in physical activity had an impact on overall well-being ratings, which depended on the sex of the subjects. Women were more likely to experience negative emotions compared to men. The mental state of the athletes affected the quality of sleep. This review summarises the negative effects of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic on the physical and mental health of professional athletes.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Poor Sleep Quality in Collegiate Athletes during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Notably, males had fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, compared with females [ 40 ]. The recent review mentioned above reported an increase in negative emotions in professional athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 26 ]. Additionally, four validated psychological questionnaires were conducted in 169 professional and amateur athletes and showed that psychological states during lockdown were a predictor of the decrease in training and sleep quality [ 41 ].…”

“…A recent review of professional athletes focused on the impact of the pandemic on changes to physical activity, mental health and quality of life [ 26 ]. Fourteen studies and a total of 5434 subjects were included.…”

The Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Performance and Mental Health—A Retrospective Case Series of Belgian Male Professional Football Players

“…This is in accordance with recent COVID-19 related research. A recent systematic review about the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus pandemic on professional athletes showed statistically significant deteriorations in mental health (Jurecka et al, 2021 ). Moreover, a study assessing both professional and non-professional football players in Spain found reduced sleep quality and mood states during the COVID-19 confinement (Mon-López et al, 2020 ).…”

Lockdowns and Physical Activities: Sports in the Time of COVID

“…Tension, fatigue, and insomnia were typical in the case of athletes, but these health problems also appeared in the non-athlete population as well. Lockdowns and re-openings have had an impact on the overall quality of life; after the lockdowns, even the partial re-opening had a positive impact on the personal quality of life [ 112 ]. The prevalence of sleep problems and the risk of the development of different eating disorders also increased during lockdowns, while overall feelings regarding personal wellbeing and the impressions of quality of life decreased due to lockdowns [ 113 ].…”