Effects and Causes of Detraining in Athletes Due to COVID-19: A Review

Abstract

Several aspects of systemic alterations caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resultant COVID-19 disease have been currently explored in the general population. However, very little is known about these particular aspects in sportsmen and sportswomen. We believe that the most important element to take into account is the neuromuscular aspect, due to the implications that this system entails in motion execution and coordination. In this context, deficient neuromuscular control when performing dynamic actions can be an important risk factor for injury. Therefore, data in this review refer mainly to problems derived in the short term from athletes who have suffered this pathology, taking into account that COVID-19 is a very new disease and the presented data are still not conclusive. The review addresses two key aspects: performance alteration and the return to regular professional physical activity. COVID-19 causes metabolic-respiratory, muscular, cardiac, and neurological alterations that are accompanied by a situation of stress. All of these have a clear influence on performance but at the same time in the strategy of returning to optimal conditions to train and compete again after infection. From the clinical evidence, the resumption of physical training and sports activity should be carried out progressively, both in terms of time and intensity.

Return to play of young and adult professional athletes after COVID-19: A scoping review

“…This cluster includes works on physical activities and rehabilitation for a functional and safe recovery to RTP. Main sub-groups refer to physical activity-training, athletic performance, sport rehabilitation, 9 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 and guidelines. 6 , 8 Studies dealing with long-COVID effects are also included.…”

“…In this case, the athlete's perception is mainly associated to the total number of hours spent for sport activity, than trust for RTP or individual fitness capacity. Córdova-Martínez et al 76 address two key aspects: the impairment of performance and RTP. From clinical evidence, during the recovering phase, physical training and sports activity should be carried out progressively, both in terms of time and intensity.…”

A tale of two stories: COVID-19 and disability. A critical scoping review of the literature on the effects of the pandemic among athletes with disabilities and para-athletes

“…This is particularly relevant for elite athletes, for whom regular training is highly recommended to preserve adequate muscular, and postural parameters ( Alvurdu et al, 2022 ). As such, home-based training has been proposed as a valid strategy to counteract or, at least, partially mitigate against confinement-induced detraining, which can be further worsened by COVID-19-induced alterations (at the metabolic-respiratory, muscular, cardiac, and neurological levels) ( Córdova-Martínez et al, 2022 ). However, athletes with disabilities and para-athletes may encounter difficulties in meeting with these recommendations, as they struggle more to train alone with respect to their able-bodied counterparts, and need consistent and appropriately trained help/personnel and specialized sports infrastructure ( Cavaggioni et al, 2022 ).…”

Improving the special motor qualities of experienced female volleyball players living on the territory of martial law

“…In addition to those already mentioned, we offer a few more research methods that may be useful. The authors identify the most important elements to be taken into account: the neuromuscular aspect due to consequences [21]; the ability to cope with the situation by doing physical and mental training at home [22]; possibilities of distance structure of theoretical-tactical education and physical training [23]; the impact of social isolation (quarantine) on physical and mental health [24].…”