RETURN TO COMPETITIVE SPORT FOLLOWING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

  • V. Badtieva Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4291-679X vbadtieva@gmail.com
  • A. Sharykin Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov Medical University), Moscow, Russia; Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5378-7316 sharykin1947@mail.ru
  • Y. Ivanova Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5131-7401 mnpcsm@mail.ru
  • V. Pavlov Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4616-8322 mnpcsm@mail.ru
  • N. Trukhacheva Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4519-1616 trukhachevan@mail.ru
Keywords: self-isolation, pandemic, athletes, coronavirus, COVID-19, functional capacity

Abstract

Aim. This study investigated the effects of self-isolation and COVID-19 on the body composition of athletes from different disciplines. Materials and methods. The sample consisted of 2540 professional athletes from 28 disciplines. Participants underwent clinical examinations, including clinical interviews, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for IgM and IgG for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Results. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 13% (n = 325), with 12 PCR-positive, 38 IgM-positive, and 275 IgG-positive cases. No hospitalizations or symptoms of pneumonia or cardiac problems were reported. Self-isolation with limited self-training lasted from 2.5 to 3 months and resulted in fat and protein redistribution in the majority of cases. The most significant changes were observed in athletes engaged in the development of complex technical and coordination skills and endurance-like qualities. Convincing evidence of COVID-19-induced increase in body weight and fat mass percentage was not found. The highest recovery rate from COVID-19 was observed among athletes from strength sports (wrestling, judo, sambo). Conclusions. Athletes, especially those from contact sports (e.g., wrestling, sambo, judo) and team sports, are at high risk of COVID-19. Mandatory testing before returning to training and competition is crucial. To mitigate physiological consequences of self-isolation, coaches should develop recommendations for maintaining physical fitness and personal training protocols aligned with sport-specific requirements.

Author Biographies

V. Badtieva , Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of Branch No. 1, Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia; Professor of the Department of Restorative Medicine, Rehabilitation and Balneology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.

A. Sharykin , Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov Medical University), Moscow, Russia; Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Hospital Pediatrics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Cardiologist, Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia; Leading Researcher, Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia.

Y. Ivanova , Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Physician of the Functional Diagnostics Department, Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia.

V. Pavlov , Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Head of the Functional Diagnostics Department, Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia.

N. Trukhacheva , Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Cardiologist of the Functional Diagnostics Department, Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine, Moscow, Russia.

References

References on translit

Published
2025-03-03
How to Cite
Badtieva, V., Sharykin, A., Ivanova, Y., Pavlov, V., & Trukhacheva, N. (2025). RETURN TO COMPETITIVE SPORT FOLLOWING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN. Human. Sport. Medicine, 24(4), 33-40. https://doi.org/10.14529/hsm240404
Section
Physiology