Increased number of symptoms during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection in athletes is associated with prolonged time to return to full sports performance—AWAREⅧ

Purpose The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with prolonged time to return to full performance(RTFP)in athletes with recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection.Methods Prospective cohort study with cross sectional analysis.A total of 84 athletes with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection assessed at a coronavirus disease 2019 recovery clinic gave a history of age,sex,type/level of sport,co-morbidities,pre-infection training hours,and 26 acute SARS-CoV-2 symptoms from 3 categories(“nose and throat”,“chest and neck”,and“whole body”/systemic).Data on days to RTFP were obtained by structured interviews.Factors associated with RTFP were demographics,sport participation,history of co-morbidities,pre-infection training history,and acute symptoms(type,number).Outcomes were:(a)days to RTFP(median,interquartile range(IQR))in asymptomatic(n=7)and symptomatic athletes(n=77),and(b)hazard ratios(HRs;95%confidence interval)for symptomatic athletes with vs.without a factor(univariate,multiple models).HR<1 was predictive of higher percentage chance of prolonged RTFP.Significance was p<0.05.Results Days to RTFP were 30 days(IQR:23–40)for asymptomatic and 64 days(IQR:42–91)for symptomatic participants(p>0.05).Factors associated with prolonged RTFP(univariate models)were:females(HR=0.57;p=0.014),endurance athletes(HR=0.41;p<0.0001),co-morbidity number(HR=0.75;p=0.001),and respiratory disease history(HR=0.54;p=0.026).In symptomatic athletes,prolonged RTFP(multiple models)was significantly associated with increased“chest and neck”(HR=0.85;p=0.017)and“nose and throat”(HR=0.84;p=0.013)symptoms,but the association was more profound between prolonged RFTP and increased total number of“all symptoms”(HR=0.91;p=0.001)and“whole body”/systemic(HR=0.82;p=0.007)symptoms.Conclusion A larger number of total symptoms and specifically“whole body”/systemic symptoms during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection in athletes is associated with prolonged RTFP.

Predictors of multiple injuries in individual distance runners:A retrospective study of 75,401 entrants in 4 annual races-SAFER XX

Background There are limited data on factors that predict an increased risk of multiple injuries among distance runners.The objective of this study was to determine risk factors that are predictive of individual runners with a high annual multiple injury risk(MIR).Methods A retrospective,cross-sectional study at 4 annual(2012-2015)Two Oceans 21.1 km and 56.0 km races in South Africa with 75,401 consenting race entrants.Running-related injury data were collected retrospectively through an online pre-race medical screening questionnaire.The average number of injuries for each runner every year was calculated by taking a runner's race entry history and injury history into account and categorizing entrants into 4 MIR categories(high,intermediate,low,and very low(reference)).Multiple logistic regression modeling(odds ratios)was used to determine whether the following factors were predictive of a high MIR(average>1 injury/year):demographics,training and racing,chronic-disease history(composite chronic disease score(CCDS)),and history of allergies.Results Of all entrants,9.2%reported at least 1 injury,and 0.4%of entrants were in the high MIR category;the incidence rate was 2.5 injuries per 10 runner-years(95%confidence interval(95%CI):2.4-2.7).Significant factors predictive of runners in the high MIR category were:running for>20 years:OR=2.0(95%CI:1.3-3.1;p=0.0010);a higher CCDS:OR=2.2(95%CI:2.0-2.4;p<0.0001);and a history of allergies:OR=2.8(95%CI:2.0-3.8;p<0.0001).Conclusion Runners who have been running recreationally for>20 years and those with multiple chronic diseases or a history of allergies were at higher risk of multiple running-related injuries.This high-risk group can be targeted for further study and possible injury-prevention interventions.

Ready,set,go:Medical preparations for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

1.Introduction In August 2024,over 4400 Paralympic athletes will gather in Paris for the Paralympic Summer Games—the pinnacle of every Paralympian’s(Para athletes competing at the Paralympic Games)career to showcase their ability and skills.Their training,preparation,and effort in the years leading up to the Games are unparalleled.To achieve success,Paralympians specifically rely on a medical support team to achieve their goals.So,what is required of the medical support team to prepare Paralympians to get ready,set,and go to Paris 2024?

Countermeasures to reduce the risk of infections at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games—A balancing act

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a global celebration of athletic dedication and achievement,bringing together athletes and spectators from around the world.However,such large gatherings present public health challenges for the Organizing Committees and local governments.As highlighted by the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,these events are associated with an increased risk of transmission of infections,which can significantly impact the health and well-being of athletes and attendees.Prioritizing the health and safety of athletes,officials and spectators is fundamental to ensure the successful hosting of the Games.Therefore,it is essential to design and implement comprehensive countermeasures to mitigate the risk of an infectious disease outbreak among participants but also to the residents of the host city.