Impact of Covid-19 Semi-lockdown on Sports and Physical Activity Behaviors of Cameroonian Elite Volleyball Players

A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The sport domain experienced major disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Objective: To determine the effects of Covid-19 semi-lockdown on elite volleyball players in Cameroon.  Methods: From June 29 to July 30, 2020, 111 volleyball players completed a self-administered questionnaire adapted from a physical activity maintenance questionnaire, to collect anthropometric parameters before and after relaxation, physical activity maintenance, number and type of training sessions, and opinion on physical capacities during and after semi-lockdown. Data were analyzed by IBM© SPSS© Statistics version 20. Comparisons were made by independent-samples t-test for quantitative variables and Pearson Chi-square goodness of fit test for qualitative variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Around 70.3% of the players experienced a body mass index (BMI) increase, 1.8% kept the same, and 27.9% decreased their BMI. About 82% of volleyball players continued training, without any sex difference (p=0.91). Meanwhile, 72.5% trained at home, 68.1% individually, and 74.7% by self-motivation, with more males training than females (p=0.004). Almost 33.3% increased individual training sessions, 71.4% reduced group training sessions, and 29.4% reduced training sessions with a coach. About 60.4% received personalized training programs, 65.0% preferred physical training, and 21.2% completed aerobic exercises. Athletes thought that the semi-lockdown induced strength loss (43.1%), speed loss (55%), and endurance loss (78%). After the first training session, the coach qualified the physical capacities as average (73.2%).  Conclusion: Practice of regular physical activity should be encouraged among athletes during the pandemic period to ensure a safe return to sports.