Influence of quarantine during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on physical and psychosocial aspects: perceptions of 214 Brazilian athletes

BACKGROUND: Social distancing may affect athletes’ training, causing negative effects on mental and physical health. OBJECTIVE: This study therefore aimed to characterize the perception of Brazilian athletes about their physical and psychosocial aspects, sleep quality and coping strategies during the quarantine of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with online survey, performed with Brazilian athletes (amateur and professional) over 18 years. The main outcomes measures assessed were physical and psychosocial aspects, sleep quality and coping strategies. RESULTS: A total of 214 athletes were included. The average weekly hours of training during the quarantine was 4.71 ± 3.71 h, of which 64.5% athletes (138/214) were oriented by medical staff during training. For 52.8% (113/214) of athletes, training intensity during the quarantine was different/very different from the intensity before the quarantine. 79.4% athletes (170/214) reported moderate to extreme difficulties in keeping the same level of training during the quarantine. 77.1% athletes (165/214) had moderate to extreme anxiety and each of the athletes had concern about his or her athletic career future, including return to the sport. 72.9% athletes (156/214) reported change in sleep schedule during the quarantine period. CONCLUSION: The quarantine period during COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the athlete's perception about training routine, since athletes reported reduction in training hours and training intensity. Overall, the athletes reported that they were moderately to extremely anxious. They also had concerns about their career in the future, as well as concerns regarding return to sport.