Just Do It: High Intensity Physical Activity Preserves Mental and Physical Health in Elite and Non-elite Athletes During COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced most Italian athletes to cease their regular training activities, with possible consequences on both mental and physical health. The present study aimed at assessing changes in Physical Activity (PA) from pre- to lockdown, and examining the relationships among lockdown PA, quality of life (mental and physical health), motivation to exercise, psychological distress, intolerance of uncertainty, and body dissatisfaction.Methods: A total of 204 athletes of different sports (91 elite; 110 females; mean age = 22.55, SD = 5.76) answered an online survey investigating demographics, sport-related questions, PA (IPAQ-S), quality of life (SF-12), and psychological variables (BREQ-2, DASS-21, IUS-R, and EDI-3-Body dissatisfaction subscale).Results: Both elite and non-elite athletes significantly reduced their PA intensity and volume (p < 0.001). Elite athletes did not differ from non-elite in terms of total PA intensity and hours of training during lockdown (p > 0.05). Elite and individual athletes showed higher intrinsic motivation to exercise compared to non-elite and team sports (p < 0.01). Female athletes displayed higher distress, worse mental health, and higher body dissatisfaction than males (p < 0.05). Mediation models showed that vigorous PA positively affected both mental (p < 0.05) and physical (p < 0.001) health during lockdown, independently of distress and intolerance of uncertainty.Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown was taxing for athletes, particularly professionals; those who were able to practice PA at high intensity during lockdown reported better mental and physical health.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on pro and advanced cycling athletes: A cross-sectional study in Poland

“…Some supporting evidence is, however, emerging, as more recent research shows that the level of anxiety and perceived stress (life stress in the last month) reported before exercise can significantly modify the immune response to subsequent exercise [18]. Sports practice in elite athletes should protect against psychological disorders as stated by International Olympic Committee (IOC), and its antidepressant effect probably disappears after ceasing to exercise [19].…”

“…The human coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19), led to a global lockdown and increased public anxiety and fears [1,2]. As estimated, at least 4 billion people were forced to quarantine themselves.…”

Health Behaviors of Austrian Secondary School Teachers and Principals at a Glance: First Results of the From Science 2 School Study Focusing on Sports Linked to Mixed, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets

“…It is well-accepted that healthy activity patterns and increased levels of PA, sports, and exercise result in higher cardiorespiratory fitness, and consequently, an improved level of health [ 4 ]. Regular exercise may be responsible for several benefits in all dimensions of health, including an increase in cognition even in the presence of neurodegeneration [ 5 ], prevention of stress and depression [ 6 , 7 ], maintenance of a good health profile even in adverse situations [ 8 ], and lower risk of developing discomforts in individuals who sit for prolonged amounts of time [ 9 ]. PA can be carried out in different ways and is categorized mostly as leisure recreational exercise (independent of commercial suppliers such as sports units, clubs, federations) or by participating in sports activities at a professional or amateur level (usually through membership in sports clubs).…”

Effects of COVID-19 Syndemic on Sport Community

“…The latter denotes the importance of proper physical activity for mental and physical health. Moreover, among the athletes themselves, those who were able to practice physical activity at high intensity during lockdown reported better mental and physical health [ 6 ]. The differences in the economic possibilities of athletes to access various methodologies of training have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 syndemic.…”

“…It was nearly impossible, especially for team sport athletes, to perform training sessions with the right amount of sport-specific exercise during the COVID-19 restrictions. This situation, relating to the lack of coaches’ supervision, might increase the possibility of nonoptimal performance and the risk of getting injured for players with the return to play [ 6 ]. Furthermore, the political approach of governments amplified the stressful effects of COVID-19 on the sport community.…”