Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Performance, Sleep Quality, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Professional Youth Soccer Players

Abstract

BackgroundIn March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak led to the declaration of a pandemic. The accompanying restrictions on public life caused a change in the training routines of athletes worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a 13-week supervised home training program on physical performance, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life in professional youth soccer players during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Germany.MethodsEight professional soccer players (age range 16–19; height: 1.81 ± 0.07 m; body weight: 72.05 ± 6.96 kg) from a Bundesliga team in Germany participated in this study. During the lockdown, they trained 5–6 days per week with home-based training plans and were monitored via tracking apps and video training. To determine the effects of home training, measurements were taken before (March 2020) and after (June 2020) the home training period. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to determine body composition, and an isokinetic strength test and a treadmill step test, including lactate measurements, were used to measure physical performance. Two questionnaires were responded to in order to assess health-related quality of life [Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36)] and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index).ResultsWhen comparing measurements before and after the home training period, we observed significant increases in the following variables: body weight (72.05 ± 6.96 kg vs. 73.50 ± 6.68 kg, p = 0.034), fat mass (11.99 ± 3.13 % vs. 13.98 ± 3.92 %, p = 0.030), body mass index (22.04 ± 0.85 kg/m2 vs. 22.49 ± 0.92 kg/m2, p = 0.049), and mental health component summary score (MCS) of the questionnaire SF-36 (53.95 ± 3.47 vs. 58.33 ± 4.50, p = 0.044). Scores on the general health (77.88 ± 14.56 vs. 89.75 ± 13.76, p = 0.025) and mental health (81.50 ± 9.30 vs. 90.00 ± 11.71, p = 0.018) subscales of the SF-36 also increased significantly.ConclusionThe COVID-19 lockdown led to an increase in body composition parameters and showed an improvement in the MCS and scores on the general and mental health subscales of the SF-36. Physical performance and sleep quality could be maintained during the home training period. These observations may help trainers for future training planning during longer interruptions in soccer training.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity of Patients in Hemodialysis

“…It may be assumed that the negative impact was seen also in all populations, but some data show the opposite. Lockdown had a positive impact on HRQoL in young healthy soccer players, which showed a significant improvement in general and mental health [ 24 ]. A recent study showed that SF-36 scores, except for mental health in CKD patients, were significantly lower than healthy individuals during the pandemic [ 25 ].…”

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological aspects and mental health of elite soccer athletes: a systematic review

“…The evaluation of the sleep quality of the athletes was investigated in four studies and significant changes were observed in the duration and quality of sleep of soccer athletes ( Facer-Childs et al, 2021 ; Han et al, 2021 ). The effects of home training during lockdown brought positive results in the sleep of athletes ( Keemss et al, 2022 ; Romdhani et al, 2023 ).…”

The Impact of the SARS-COVID-19 Lockdowns on the Subjectively Perceived Performance Level of Amateur Athletes after Returning to the Gyms

“…Interestingly, younger athletes and those involved in individual sports often increased their sporting activities during the lockdown, thereby improving their fitness levels compared with those who were less active or inactive [ 2 , 3 , 8 , 21 , 22 ]. Other studies indicate that older athletes (over 55 years) and team sports athletes encountered more difficulties in maintaining regular sporting activities during and after the lockdown [ 4 , 19 , 23 ].…”

“…For many, sport is a fundamental aspect of life, acting as a vital link between body and mind. It not only helps sustain physical and mental well-being but also reinforces socio-communal bonds [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Over the years both the long- and the short-term effects were studied [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Professional athletes and organized club sports in particular allowed systematic studies to be carried out [ 2 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Popular fitness sports as a whole are often difficult to capture due to their heterogeneity because frequently, individuals undertake these sports on their own, often without any connection to a trainer and at very different intensities.…”