‘Long COVID’ is a sizeable hurdle to athletes’ ability to train and compete

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SPORTS MEDICINE

‘Long COVID’ is a sizeable hurdle to athletes’ ability to train and compete

18 August 2021

Chris Milne

Wednesday 18 August 2021, 12:10 AM

Restarting sporting activity after COVID-19 is a complex issue and should be determined on a case-by-case basis [Image: Serghei Trofimov on Unsplash]

Sports physician Chris Milne highlights the many flow-on effects of COVID-19 and provides advice on reintegrating athletes into sport after infection

Key points, “Long COVID” can affect multiple organ systems in fit, young athletes, disturbing their ability to train and compete. Resting for at least two weeks, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

1. Fabre J-B, Grelot L, Vanbiervielt W, et al. Managing the combined consequences of covid-19 infection and lockdown policies on athletes: Narrative review and guidelines proposal for a safe return to sport. BMJ Open Sports Exerc Med 2020;6:e000849.

2. Schellhorn P, Klingel K, Burgstahler C. Return to sports after COVID-19 infection. Eur Heart J 2020;41(46):4382–84.

3. Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital. Aspetar Clinical Guideline: Safe Return to Sport during the COVID-19 Pandemic, version 2.0. March 2021. https://tinyurl.com/yvbm29p3

4. Lollgen H, Bachl N, Papadopoulou T, et al. Infographic. Clinical recommendations for return to play during the COVID-19 pandemic. Br J Sports Med 2021;55(6):344–45.

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