The impact of COVID-19 pandemic isolation on the performance of track and field athletes: A comparative study of 100m sprint

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the suspension of schools and sports-related activities, leading to a disruption in athletes' engagement with sports training and subsequent negative effects on their performance. This research employs an experimental approach to investigate the influence of pandemic-induced isolation on the performance of track and field athletes in the 100m sprint. The study focuses on a sample of 60 athletes from elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels in Albay, Philippines. To assess performance, coaches provided data on the athletes' best time in the 100m sprint from 2019. Additionally, two sprint tests were conducted with the assistance of coaches to determine the current best time, with the lowest time recorded. Paired sample t-tests were employed to analyze the variation in 100m sprint times across different age groups, and sex comparing pre-pandemic and post-pandemic isolation periods. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two performance measures, as indicated by computed p-values consistently below the predetermined significance level of 0.05. To counteract this decline, the implementation of intensive and safe training environments is recommended, which would facilitate the gradual restoration of athletes' performance without compromising their health and well-being.