Changes in physical activity and eating behavior after coronavirus pandemic: an online survey of elite Korean male athletes

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) limits the physical activities of sports players. This study aimed to examine the activities and eating habits of elite adult athletes before and after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to establish a database. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activity levels and dietary patterns of 776 elite adult athletes in 22 sports. A total of 36 questions included items on demographic factors and physical activity, sleep and eating habits before and after COVID-19 (April 2021–December 2021). Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (version 25.0, Windows). Additionally, paired sample t-tests were used. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. After COVID-19, both vigorous and moderate activities decreased across almost all sports. Sitting and lying down showed an increasing trend, and some sports saw an increase in the diet of their players. Finally, participation in all sports significantly decreased. It is important for athletes to find the best way to maintain their physical, physiological and psychological states after COVID-19 to return close to their original abilities. Moreover, this study will help prepare for other infectious diseases after COVID-19.

Keywords

• covid-19
• physical activity change
• eating behavior change
• elite athlete
• online survey
• rehabilitation