The Impact of the German Strategy for Containment of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 on Training Characteristics, Physical Activity and Sleep of Highly Trained Kayakers and Canoeists: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Aim: To characterize the impact of the German strategy for containment of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (social distancing and lockdown) on the training, other habitual physical activity, and sleep in highly trained kayakers and canoeists. Method: During the 4 weeks immediately prior to and following the beginning of the German government's strategy for containment of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 on March 23, 2020, 14 highly trained athletes (VO 2peak : 3,162 ± 774 ml/min; 500-m best time: 117.9 ± 7.9 s) wore a multi-sensor smartwatch to allow continuous assessment of heart rate, physical activity, and sleep duration. Result: In comparison to before lockdown, the overall weekly training time and the average length of each session of training during the lockdown decreased by 27.6% ( P = 0.02; d = 0.91) and 15.4% ( P = 0.36; d = 0.36), respectively. At the same time, the number of sessions involving specific (i.e., canoeing and kayaking) and non-specific (i.e., running, cycling) training, respectively, did not change ( P = 0.36–0.37; d = 0.34–0.35). The number of sessions involving strength (+17.4%; P = 0.03; d = 0.89) or other types of training (+16.7%; P = 0.06; d = 0.75) increased during the lockdown with 2.8–17.5% more training time involving a heart rate <60%, 82–88, 89–93, or 94–100% of individual peak heart rate (HR peak ) ( P = 0.03–0.86; d = 0.07–1.38), and 4.3–18.7% less time with a heart rate of 60–72 or 73–83% HR peak ( P = < 0.001–0.0.26; d = 0.44–2.24). The daily duration of sleep was ~30 min (6.7%) longer during the lockdown ( P < 0.001; d = 1.53) and the overall time spent lying down was 17% greater ( P < 0.001; d = 2.26); whereas sitting time (−9.4%; P = 0.003; d = 1.23), the duration of light (15 min; −7.3%; P = 0.04; d = 0.83), and moderate (−18.6%; P = 0.01; d = 1.00) physical activity other than training (−9.4%; P = 0.22; d = 0.00) were all lower during lockdown. Conclusion: The present data revealed that following the German lockdown for containment of the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, highly trained kayakers and canoeists spent less overall time training each week (−27.6%) with, on average, shorter training sessions (−15.1%) and less light-to-moderate physical activity outside of training. Moreover, they performed more strength training sessions per week, and all enga...

The Impact of COVID-19-Related Shutdown Measures on the Training Habits and Perceptions of Athletes in the United States: A Brief Research Report

“…Similarly, Zinner et al ( 2020 ) observed reductions in overall weekly training time (−27.6%) and the average length of training sessions (−15.4%) during a COVID-19 lockdown period in highly trained German kayakers and canoeists. The authors also observed an increase in the number of strength-focused training sessions with no change in sport-specific activities, which is contradictory to the findings from the current study (Zinner et al, 2020 ). It is possible that athletes at the elite level may have had better access to strength equipment, thereby allowing for increased opportunities for strength workouts.…”

“…The authors noted 34% reductions in total training volume and reductions in weekly volumes across intensity zones ranging from 25 to 52% (effect size: 0.83-1.57) during the lockdown period, which contributed to reductions in maximal effort cycling performance (Muriel et al, 2020). Similarly, Zinner et al (2020) observed reductions in overall weekly training time (−27.6%) and the average length of training sessions (−15.4%) during a COVID-19 lockdown period in highly trained German kayakers and canoeists. The authors also observed an increase in the number of strength-focused training sessions with no change in sport-specific activities, which is contradictory to the findings from the current study (Zinner et al, 2020).…”

Consumer-Based Activity Trackers as a Tool for Physical Activity Monitoring in Epidemiological Studies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Development and Usability Study

“…Google Trend analysis of community interest in physical activity during the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown showed an increase in Google search rates on physical activity topics in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States [ 21 ]. A study among German athletes using activity tracker data showed that shorter and more vigorous exercise sessions replaced longer sessions [ 22 ].…”

Effects of Home Confinement on the Intensity of Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Team Handball According to Country, Gender, Competition Level, and Playing Position: A Worldwide Study

“…In addition, Sonza et al [ 18 ] indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced training practice and habits in term of frequency, duration, motivation, and period to exercise in Brazil and its main macro-regions. Furthermore, following the German lockdown for containment of the COVID-19 pandemic, highly trained kayakers and canoeists spent less overall time training each week (−28%) with, on average, shorter training sessions (−15%) and less light-to-moderate physical activity outside of training [ 19 ]. Additionally, de Albuquerque Freire et al [ 20 ] demonstrated that COVID-19-related restrictions and quarantine had adverse effects on professional soccer players’ Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test performance.…”