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. 2024 Apr 24;13(9):2469.
doi: 10.3390/jcm13092469.

A Comparison of Sensorimotor Integration and Motor Fitness Components between Collegiate Athletes with and without Long COVID: A Cross-Sectional Study with Pair-Matched Controls

Ibrahim M Moustafa  1   2   3 , Amal Ahbouch  1   2 , Raheesa P Kader  1 , Tamer Mohamed Shousha  1   2   3 , Abdulla Alrahoomi  4
Affiliations

A Comparison of Sensorimotor Integration and Motor Fitness Components between Collegiate Athletes with and without Long COVID: A Cross-Sectional Study with Pair-Matched Controls

Ibrahim M Moustafa et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background: Long COVID presents a concern for collegiate athletes, potentially impacting sensorimotor processing and motor fitness. This study aimed to assess these effects. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 60 athletes diagnosed with Long COVID and 60 controls. Sensorimotor processing and integration were evaluated using neurophysiological variables (N13, P14, N20, P27, and N30), while motor fitness was assessed through balance, agility, and vertical jump testing. T-tests compared groups, and Pearson's correlations explored relationships. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in neurophysiological variables and motor fitness between Long COVID and control groups. Fatigue correlated positively (p < 0.001) with neurophysiological variables in Long COVID cases but not with motor fitness (p = 0.08, p = 0.07, p = 0.09). Conclusions: Collegiate athletes with Long COVID exhibit abnormal sensorimotor processing, integration, and diminished motor fitness compared to uninfected peers. The fatigue severity of Long COVID correlates with neurophysiological changes, suggesting a link between sensorimotor deficits and fatigue. Targeted interventions for sensorimotor deficits and fatigue management are crucial for athletes recovering from Long COVID. This study underscores the importance of addressing these issues to optimize the recovery and performance of collegiate athletes affected by Long COVID.

Keywords: COVID-19; Long COVID; collegiate athletes; fatigue; motor fitness; sensorimotor integration.

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Conflict of interest statement

All the authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Neurophysiological measurement setup.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Agility T-test.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Leg power: non-countermovement vertical jump test.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Y-Balance Test.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Participant flow chart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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