Brazilian Para-Powerlifting Training Profile During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a closure of training facilities due to government restrictions and social distancing, impacting amateurs and professional athletes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the profile training of Brazilian Paralympic Powerlifters before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and verify the differences between international and national level athletes. Methods: Brazilian Paralympic Powerlifters (n=49) completed a self-reported online survey about training practices before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, motivation, satisfaction, and self-performance perception. Results: Paralympic Powerlifters have 34±10.6 years old, 156.5±20.8 cm, and 81.9±86.2 kg. Mann-Whitney test shows that international level athletes (i.e. Paralympic Games, Parapan American Games, and World Championship) had significantly more sport experience (years) compared to national level athletes (U=153.500; p=0.009). 83.7% of athletes reported being engaged in training during the COVID-19 Pandemic with changes in training location, training equipment, and coaching. Of the athletes who continue training, 65.9% reported feeling motivated to training, 34.1% reported not feeling motivated (=12.071; p<0.001). A significant association between training motivation (=13.359; p=0.001) and satisfaction (=13.435; p=0.001) with their self-performance perception were found. Conclusion: Most athletes reported being engaged in training during the COVID-19 Pandemic with significant changes in training location, equipment, and coaching. Understanding the changes in training practices during restriction periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, supports strategies to maintain the athlete’s engagement in Paralympic Powerlifting.