The Effect of Dietary Supplementation on Physical Performance in Adolescent Male Soccer Players Infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract

Background/objectives: The impact of the COVID-19 infection on athletes was reported to influence physical health, both decreasing performance and increasing the risk of injuries. This study aimed to assess the physical performance (maximal aerobic power, muscle function, and speed) of a group of male adolescent soccer players before and after COVID-19 infection and to compare the effects of nutrition intervention on physical performance.

Methods: This study included 99 male soccer players, between 13 and 15 years old, that had mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Their physical performance was evaluated in three periods (1 month before and 1 and 3 months after the infection). The subjects were divided into two groups, one with rigorous nutrition intervention and one without. Physical performance was evaluated through five tests: hand grip strength, 10 m sprint test, 30 m sprint test, beep test, and bench press.

Results: A total of 20.2% had mild restrictions at spirometry after infection. One month after the infection, four of the five tests (hand grip strength, 10 m sprint test, 30 m sprint test, and beep test) showed statistically significantly (p < 0.005) better results in the nutrition intervention group. The same difference in results in the four tests was maintained 3 months after infection (p < 0.005).

Conclusions: Nutrition intervention with a strict dietary plan and an increase in daily calories and protein and also vitamin and mineral supplements in young athletes may be effective for faster recovery of physical parameters from COVID-19 infection, and its beneficial effects should be studied further in this infection as well as in other respiratory tract infections.