SARS-CoV-2 infection decreases cardiorespiratory fitness and time-trial performance even two months after returning to regular training - Insights from a longitudinal case series of well-trained kayak athletes.
Shengji Deng, Mingyue Yin, Zhili Chen, Jianfeng Deng, Zhenyu Wang, Yuxi Li, Mengde Lyu, Boyi Zhang, Shaoqiang Zhu, Shenggui Hu, George P Nassis, Yongming Li
Author Information
Shengji Deng: School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Mingyue Yin: School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Zhili Chen: School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Jianfeng Deng: School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Zhenyu Wang: School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Yuxi Li: School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Mengde Lyu: School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Boyi Zhang: Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, German.
Shaoqiang Zhu: Jiangxi Water Sports Administration Center, Administration of Sports of Jiangxi, Nanchang, China.
Shenggui Hu: Jiangxi Water Sports Administration Center, Administration of Sports of Jiangxi, Nanchang, China.
George P Nassis: Department of Physical Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Yongming Li: School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Objective: The aims of this study were to examine the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and time-trial performance in vaccinated well-trained young kayak athletes. Methods: This is a longitudinal observational study. Sixteen (7 male, 9 female) vaccinated kayakers underwent body composition assessment, maximal graded exercise test, and 1000-m time-trial tests 21.9 ± 1.7 days before and 66.0 ± 2.2 days after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The perception of training load was quantified with Borg's CR-10 scale before and after the infection return to sport period. Results: There were significant decreases in peak oxygen uptake (-9.7 %; effect size [ES] = 1.38), peak oxygen pulse (-5.7 %; ES = 0.96), and peak heart rate (-1.9 %; ES = 0.61). Peak minute ventilation, and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope were unchanged after infection compared to the pre-infection values. In the entire 1000-m, the impaired tendencies were found in completion time, mean power, and mean speed (-2.4 to 1.2 %; small ESs = -0.40 to 0.47) as well as significant changes in stroke rate and stroke length (-4.5 to 3.7 %; ESs = -0.60 to 0.73). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection decreased CRF and time-trial performance even two months after return to regular training in vaccinated athletes.
