Return to Sports nach COVID-19

The corona pandemic has had massive effects on all social life since it began last year and has a significant impact on leisure and professional sports. Very early on, the question arose as to when and how sports enthusiasts can go back to their sporting activities or take part in competitions after an infection. Several publications that have appeared since spring 2020 have addressed this topic. It is generally accepted that no physical activity should be carried out during the acute infection. The extent of the diagnosis, which is recommended before returning to (competitive) sport, is determined depending on the clinical course. While there were concerns at the beginning of the pandemic that cardiac involvement would occur in many cases, this risk initially seems to have been overestimated. On the other hand, there is increasing data that non-cardiac consequences of the infection can impair athletes in the practice of their sport in the long term. This article highlights the current recommendations regarding return to sports after COVID-19 for competitive and recreational athletes.