The Effect of Isolation and Controlled Social Life Periods on Physical Activity and Anxiety in Elite Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of pandemic on anxiety and physical activity in elite athletes during isolation and controlled social life. The second purpose of the study was to evaluate whether the effects of isolation and restricted social life were different between genders. Material and Methods: A total of 52 elite athletes (80.2% national team athletes) were included in the study. Isolation and controlled social life periods were analyzed. Athlete's anxiety was evauated with Athlete's Anxiety to Catch the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scale (AACNCS), coronavirus anxiety was evaluated with Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form (CAS-SF), and physical activity level was eavluated with International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Results: The study indicated that during the isolation period, the anxiety levels of the athletes [AACNCS Social Anxiety score (p=0.009) and CAS-SF score (p=0.008)] were higher and their physical activity levels [IPAQ-SF total score (p<0.001)] were lower than the controlled social life period. There was no statistically significant difference between the genders (Gender* Time interactions) regarding all AACNCS scores, CAS-SF score, and IPAQ-SF total score (p>0.05). Conclusion: During the pandemic, the isolation period negatively affected the physical activity and anxiety of elite athletes; however, the return to the social life in a controlled manner resulted in a decrease in anxiety and increase in physical activity. These results show the importance of the correct management of the COVID-19 pandemic for elite athletes.