Key result
Pandemic self-isolation links to reduced peak oxygen consumption and aerobic capacity in athletes.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to assess the state of the cardiorespiratory system of athletes after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Does self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic affect the cardiorespiratory functional state and aerobic capacity in athletes?
Observational (n=1,096)
Does self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic affect the cardiorespiratory functional state and aerobic capacity in athletes?
Self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in aerobic capacity and peak oxygen consumption in athletes, regardless of whether they contracted the virus.
May support monitoring aerobic capacity after prolonged isolation; leaves open causal effects and mitigation strategies in athletes.
Purpose of the study: to assess the state of the cardiorespiratory system of athletes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: A total of 1096 athletes (492 women and 604 men) over 15 years of age were examined in 28 sports. A clinical and instrumental assessment of the health of the athletes, a laboratory analysis by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the genetic material of the virus and the level of IgM and IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, an assessment of the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system were carried out. Results: None of the athletes included in the study were hospitalized or had symptoms of pneumonia or cardiovascular problems. The period of self-isolation with limited self-training lasted from 2.5 to 3 months. After isolation, a decrease in the aerobic capacity of the athletes was noted. The peak oxygen consumption achieved during this period significantly decreased compared to the period before self-isolation in all types of sports disciplines. Conclusions: Athletes are at high risk of contracting coronavirus infection and require mandatory testing for the infection before being allowed to train and compete. The main consequence of self-isolation is a decrease in the predominantly aerobic performance of athletes, regardless of whether they have had COVID-19.
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Ivanova et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Athletes after COVID-19 pandemic (n=1,096). Self-isolation during COVID-19 pandemic vs. Period before self-isolation was evaluated on Peak oxygen consumption and aerobic capacity. Self-isolation for 2.5 to 3 months during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in peak oxygen consumption and aerobic capacity among athletes across all sports disciplines.
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