COVID-19 in elite sport - A multicenter cohort study
Clarification of recommendations for returning to sport after a Covid-19 infection
The current coronavirus pandemic is already one of the biggest global crises and represents an extreme challenge not only for healthcare systems but for society as a whole. An infection with SARS-CoV-2 is largely associated with few to no symptoms, but can also have serious or even fatal consequences.
The consequential damage of an infection with SARS-CoV-2 can also be highly relevant for the practice of sport and, in particular, for the athletic and physical resilience of those affected, with possible negative effects on athletic performance. The prevalence of such effects and whether they may occur even in the case of an initially mild infection is still unknown. For the athletes affected, the question therefore arises as to how they can return to sport with an acceptable risk after being infected with this virus and/or whether negative effects on athletic performance are possible.
The two main objectives of this study are to gain insights through the investigations that will enable further specification of recommendations for returning to sport after a Covid-19 infection. In essence, the aim is to answer the following questions:
- Can organic and/or functional consequential damage be observed after having undergone SARS-CoV-2 infection, which can impair physical resilience and performance?
- Can influencing factors be identified that explain the long-term course of possible health damage after SARS-CoV-2 infection?
Participation in cohort 1 - athletes after Covid-19 infection
Cohort 1 includes athletes aged 18 years and older with a confirmed or highly probable Covid-19 infection who routinely present to the sports medicine outpatient clinic for clarification.
The criterion for inclusion in the study is fulfilled in the case of a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR and/or a positive antibody test and typical symptoms noticed in the past. Prior to their infection, athletes must have regularly practiced sports with a training volume of at least 3 training sessions per week . As a member of this group, you are particularly suitable for participation in this study.
Participation in cohort 2 - participation as part of the annual sports medical examination for national squads
Cohort 2 includes national squad athletes from the squad groups OK, PK, EK, NK1 and NK2, including Paralympic athletes, who present themselves at one of the participating sports medicine examination centers as part of the routine annual sports medicine examination of the DOSB or DBS. Consent to participate in the study also includes the sports medical examinations in the two subsequent years.
The project is funded by the Federal Institute for Sports Science (BISp) and is carried out in close cooperation with several sports medicine examination centers in Germany. Participation in the study is voluntary.
Contact:
Clinical Department for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, PD Dr. med. Arno Kerling
Phone: 0511/532-5499
E-mail: Kerling. Arno@mh-hannover.de