The Impact of COVID-19 on Performance Preparation in Sprint Trained Athletes

Jackie Ho, Dan Tao*, Rashmi Supriya, Julien S. Baker

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this paper is to describe the effects on preparation for sprinting performance in Hong Kong university-level athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in training methods, and well-being of athletes due to COVID-19 pandemic were also investigated.

Methods: Using Google Form, the study recall period was established during the closure of sports facilities in Hong Kong (2/2020–2/2021) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical state preparation (PSP), Mental state preparation (MSP), Nutritional preparation (NP), and Major changes in training methods (MTM) were analyzed.

Results: The results demonstrated no significant mean difference between male and female athletes on the effects of COVID-19 regarding the PSP, MSP, NP, and MTM. However, both males and females were highly disrupted in relation to performance preparation.

Conclusions: The pandemic affected physical performance, stress, and mental state, impacted on nutritional regimes, changed training locations and recovery strategies, and lowered training quantity and quality. In addition, athletes received less coaching, and had less accessibility to training equipment. Athletes and coaches should reflect on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to address personal training needs, while sports professionals need to carefully prepare themselves for sprinting performance, in relation to the current COVID-19 situation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)208-218
Number of pages11
JournalPhysical Activity and Health
Volume6
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Oct 2022

User-Defined Keywords

  • Physical state preparation
  • Mental state preparation
  • Nutritional preparation
  • Major changes in training methods
  • COVID-19
  • University athletes

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