The Impacts of COVID-19 on Collegiate Student-Athlete Training, Health, and Well-Being

Abstract

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) incited a national emergency (1) that forced colleges and universities in the United States to close their doors in March 2020 (2). These sudden university closures left minimal time for sport coaches, strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches, and other support staff to create and disseminate feasible at-home training programs for student-athletes. Nationwide shutdowns further complicated athletes' training at home by limiting access to adequate exercise equipment and space required for training. As this is the first time all sports have come to a halt since the 1940s, no data exist regarding student-athlete sport training regimens, nutritional habits, and mental health status during times of limited or no access to adequate training equipment and/or resources (3). Therefore, research is warranted to investigate the effect extended time away from typical training routines has on collegiate student-athlete sport training habits and overall well-being.Collegiate student-athletes' sport training and competition seasons typically follow a set schedule with routine access to school-based support including sport coaches responsible for on-field sport-specific training, S&C coaches responsible for general performance development, athletic trainers in charge of injury and rehabilitation management, nutritional support for dietary needs, and access to adequate exercise training equipment. Brief periods away from these resources generally occur in 2to 6-wk blocks over semester breaks. Lack of training during these times can result in detraining evidenced by decreased aerobic capacity, speed, and muscular power (4). Large increases in acute workloads in general or after periods of detraining increase the risk of both overuse and traumatic injuries (5,6). For example, higher injury rates are often seen among collegiate athletes during preseason when training volume markedly increases (7). Return to sport after COVID-19 lockdowns may exaggerate this effect, similar to the increased tendon injury occurrence seen in 2011 after the National Football League's 19-week lockout (8). More recently, a case study following a professional soccer team through the fall

Impact of COVID on Sports Injury Patterns, Changes in Mental Well-Being, and Strategies to Prepare for Future Pandemics in Sport

“…Further, there were concerns of how athletes could train safely but still maintain their skill set (30) in light of closure of training facilities and limited access to coaching and training staff. Gradual transition back into full training volumes can help avoid accelerated overload and loading on musculoskeletal tissues (52,53). Moreover, coaches and athletes should be encouraged to monitor and log perceived loads using perceived exertion scales commensurate with actual training loads, in the return to training process.…”

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“…Forced training restrictions and modifications were associated with alterations in mood and feelings of depression in over 50% of South African athletes,6 and the prolonged uncertainty over the resumption of organised sports led to mental fatigue and reduced motivation to train. This effect was more pronounced in women athletes in general,3 with even further impact in African women athletes 6…”

“…This cool-off period during lockdown compromised all aspects of effective training and periodisation, and lower ranked or marginalised athletes with less resources were further disadvantaged 2. Less than 40% of athletes could fully perform their training programmes,2 3 and coaches, even in high-income countries (HIC), had difficulties engaging athletes in online training because of lack of access and ability to use relevant technologies 4. The reduced training load imposed on these athletes may have long-term impacts on injury risk, performance, rankings and remuneration in years to come.…”

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“…In rugby league, for example, training load increases of ≥15% on the previous week led to injury risks of 21–49% compared to <10% risk of injury when training load was gradually increased, i.e., between 5 and <10% load increases week on week. 12 To minimise the risk of detraining or sudden spikes in workload upon lockdown cessation, at-home training activities were commonly recommended throughout the pandemic, 13 , 14 with other sports (e.g., basketball) recommending that appropriate testing and measurement of physical capacity was conducted upon recommencement of full training. 15 Furthermore, in contrast to previous examples, 10 athletes following appropriate home-based training programmes were still able to make significant training gains during lockdown, e.g., professional athletes (soccer players in this instance), were able to significantly increase lower body strength and test results (squat and countermovement jumps), despite an increase in body fat percentage and slower running speeds.…”

“… 17 It can also increase the risk of respiratory infections and diminish cellular growth, recovery and glucose metabolism. 17 Furthermore, with a reduction in athlete motivation (as seen during lockdowns), 11 , 13 inadequate sleep can significantly impair maximal muscle strength in compound movements, thereby impacting the benefits and adaptations derived from training. 19 The changes in sleep quality were also affected by when athletes ate, with disrupted sleep more likely when eating after midnight.…”