NCAA Student-Athlete Training During COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Restrictions

Abstract

The effects of COVID-19 restrictions were ubiquitous, including decreased physical activity globally. A recent study showed significant consequences on American student-athletes, who were forced to stay at home between March and June 2020. Inadequacy of equipment and programming hampered the resulting improvised training. Resistance exercise was the second most common mode used after cardiovascular exercise, and the primary equipment utilized was dumbbells and resistance bands. More women than men did not resistance train. More women believed they were eating less and healthier. Sleep length and disturbances increased; the latter more in women. Mental health concerns and decreased motivation to train became more frequent, especially within Division III more than Division I. The most-reported overall concerns were maintenance of fitness, sport-specific training, and health, possibly implicating the equipment/programming barriers as contributors to negative psychological effects. Providers of S&C, mental health, and other support services should plan for athletes' home situations toward any future extended lockdown.