The Effect of COVID-19 Infection on the Aerobic Capacity of Professional Soccer Players.

Abstract

This investigation assessed the effect of COVID-19 on the aerobic capacity of professional soccer players who have tested positive. Twenty-one division-1 elite soccer players (age 24.24±5.75 years, height 178.21±5.44 cm, weight 74.12±5.21 kg) participated in this study. This observational study compared the same players' aerobic capacity pre-, and 60-days post COVID-19 recovery. The statistical analysis demonstrated that the infected players had significantly lower VO2max values [t(20)=5.17, p<0.01, d=0.613 (medium effect)], and significantly lower VO2 values at RC [t(20)= 2.97, p<0.05, d= 0.39 (small effect)] after recovery. Furthermore, results indicated a significantly lower running time (RT) on the treadmill [t(20)=4.84, p<0.01, d=0.46 (small effect)] when compared to the results that were obtained before they got infected. In addition, velocity at VO2max (VVO2max) was significantly lower [t(20)=2.34, p<0.05, d=0.41 (small effect)] and the heart rate values at LT [t(20)= -2.79, p<0.01, d= 0.55 (medium effect)] and RC [t(20)= -3.72, p<0.01, d= 0.52 (medium effect)] were significantly higher post recovery. The aforementioned findings indicate that post COVID-19 soccer players may not reach full recovery at two months. Therefore, our results should alert practitioners and fitness coaches of the risk of longer-duration silent symptoms even in athletes that experience mild to moderate manifestations.

Prevalence of Hyperventilation Syndrome among Covid-19 Recovered Patients

“…The sample was diverse, including both male and female participants across a wide age range, which enhances the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the high response rate and the comprehensive data collection through online platforms allowed for a thorough assessment of HVS prevalence (13). However, the study also had several limitations.…”

“…Various factors, including physiological stress, anxiety, high altitude, heat stroke, and cardiovascular issues, can precipitate hyperventilation The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of HVS among COVID-19 recovered patients. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study using the Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ) to assess respiratory distress and disordered breathing among participants (10)(11)(12)(13). Our sample size of 377 was calculated using Raosoft, and data collection was conducted via social media and the University of South Asia (Lahore Cantt).…”

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing to evaluate post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (“Long COVID”): a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…44 Two excluded studies among military recruits and professional athletes found reduced peak VO 2 at 45-60 days post-infection compared to pre-infection. 69,70 The main strategy to minimize confounding among studies with control groups is group matching on baseline characteristics (age, sex, weight, and comorbidities) or excluding those with pre-existing cardiopulmonary disease. A few studies used stepwise regression despite small sample sizes and co-linear variables, but no studies fully adjusted for likely confounders or reported adjusted differences in exercise capacity between those with and without COVID-19.…”