Mild COVID-19 infection significantly deteriorated cardiopulmonary exercise testing performance in endurance athletes, with reductions in oxygen uptake and heart rate (both p < 0.001).
Observational (n=49)
Does mild COVID-19 infection and nutrition affect cardiopulmonary exercise performance in endurance athletes?
Mild COVID-19 infection significantly deteriorates cardiopulmonary exercise performance in endurance athletes, with specific nutritional habits further influencing metabolic and performance parameters.
valor p: p=<0.001
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.
Śliż et al. (Sun,) conducted a observational in Mild COVID-19 infection (n=49). COVID-19 infection vs. Pre-COVID-19 baseline was evaluated on Cardiopulmonary exercise testing performance (oxygen uptake and heart rate) (p=<0.001). Mild COVID-19 infection significantly deteriorated cardiopulmonary exercise testing performance in endurance athletes, with reductions in oxygen uptake and heart rate (both p < 0.001).