Effects and Causes of Detraining in Athletes Due to COVID-19: A Review

Abstract

Several aspects of systemic alterations caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resultant COVID-19 disease have been currently explored in the general population. However, very little is known about these particular aspects in sportsmen and sportswomen. We believe that the most important element to take into account is the neuromuscular aspect, due to the implications that this system entails in motion execution and coordination. In this context, deficient neuromuscular control when performing dynamic actions can be an important risk factor for injury. Therefore, data in this review refer mainly to problems derived in the short term from athletes who have suffered this pathology, taking into account that COVID-19 is a very new disease and the presented data are still not conclusive. The review addresses two key aspects: performance alteration and the return to regular professional physical activity. COVID-19 causes metabolic-respiratory, muscular, cardiac, and neurological alterations that are accompanied by a situation of stress. All of these have a clear influence on performance but at the same time in the strategy of returning to optimal conditions to train and compete again after infection. From the clinical evidence, the resumption of physical training and sports activity should be carried out progressively, both in terms of time and intensity.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; athletes; clinical consequences; physical activity; return to sport.

Figure 1

Scheme of the possible risks that can derive from the residual symptoms in respiratory function after SARS-CoV-2 infection. See the text for more details.

Figure 2

Scheme indicating that adequate physical activity results in positive muscle adaptations. The hypothesis to test (?) is if the inflammation associated with COVID-19 is responsible for myalgia and muscle fatigue. See the text for more details. Abbreviations used: ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2.