The Influence of Nutrition and Physical Activity on Exercise Performance after Mild COVID-19 Infection in Endurance Athletes-CESAR Study

Abstract

COVID-19 and imposed restrictions are linked with numerous health consequences, especially among endurance athletes (EA). Unfavorable changes in physical activity and nutrition may affect later sports and competition performance. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection and pandemic restrictions on the nutrition and physical activity of EAs and (2) to compare them with the results of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). In total, 49 EAs (nmale = 43, nfemale = 6, mean age = 39.9 ± 7.8 year., height = 178.4 ± 6.8 cm, weight = 76.3 ± 10.4 kg; BMI = 24.0 ± 2.6 kg·m−2) underwent pre- and post-COVID-19 CPET and fulfilled the dietary and physical activity survey. COVID-19 infection significantly deteriorated CPET performance. There was a reduction in oxygen uptake and in heart rate post-COVID-19 (both p < 0.001). Consuming processed meat and replacing meat with plant-based protein affected blood lactate concentration (p = 0.035). Fat-free mass was linked with consuming unsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.031). Adding salt to meals influenced maximal speed/power (p = 0.024) and breathing frequency (p = 0.033). Dietary and Fitness Practitioners and Medical Professionals should be aware of possible COVID-19 infection and pandemic consequences among EA. The results of this study are a helpful guideline to properly adjust the treatment, nutrition, and training of EA.

Plant-Based Proteins, Peptides and Amino Acids in Food Products Dedicated for Sportspeople—A Narrative Review of the Literature

“…In total, 12 articles referred to the popularity of products containing plant-based proteins in sportspeople ( Table 4 ). The high acceptability and substantial consumption of plant-based protein products by athletes was noticed by Shaw et al [ 176 ], Śliż et al [ 177 ], as well as Jakše and Jakše [ 178 ]. In turn, investigations concentrated solely on female athletes showed a positive relation between considerable consumption of plant-based proteins and lack of PMS-related athletic impairment [ 179 ], as well as among substantial dietary intake of vegetable protein and menstrual dysfunction [ 180 ].…”

Home advantage in matches of the top Polish men’s handball league in the seasons before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

“…A decrease in endurance capacity [5], no difference in maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] [5], or an increase in it [21], an increase in heart rate [HR] in the shuttle run test in zones 5, 6, 7, and an increase in lactic acid [LA] [7] in handball were demonstrated. In endurance sports, a decrease in VO2max and HR was noticeable [26]. Previous findings also indicate a decrease in power output, mean oxygen uptake, cardiac stroke volume during exercise [14] and a decrease in balance performance [13] in handball players infected with SCoV.…”

Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Sleep, and Psychology of Endurance Athletes– CAESAR Study

“…(5) EAs adopted different strategies of coping with stress, which was associated with the influence on lean body mass, (6) were analyzed in remaining CAESAR manuscripts [34,35].…”