Morphofunctional status dynamics of female athletes who had COVID-19 during training in the middle altitude

Abstract

Objective: to examine the morphofunctional status dynamics of female athletes who had COVID-19 during training in the middle altitude. Materials and methods. The study of the morphofunctional status was conducted in the beginning and at the end of training camps in Kislovodsk at an altitude of 1240 meters. It included 78 elite female athletes during the preparatory period of the training process. We have identified the initial level and dynamics of the functional state of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, heart rate variability and body composition. We have also carried out a questionnaire of the state and collected medical background about the COVID-19. Results. According to the data obtained, training in the middle attitude did not significantly influence the morphofunctional status of female athletes, both who had and who did not have COVID-19. All indicators were within physiological standards. The functional state dynamics of athletes was mostly connected to the response to mountain hypoxia, which in higher degree is shown in athletes with the third type of the heart rate autonomic regulation. The athletes who were ill with COVID-19 were slightly different (within normal limits) from those who were not in terms of body composition indicators, expiratory volume and rate, as well as blood pressure. The systemic analysis has demonstrated that the factor-based structure of variables of the morphofunctional status of female athletes who were ill with COVID is described with an increased correlation connection between structural and functional indicators, stress of the body’s adaptation. Conclusion. Despite the seemingly favorable morphofunctional status of female athletes, who had COVID-19, in terms of systemic connections it is still characterized with an emergency transitional process of adaptation, during which complication of various diseases is possible. It should be noted by working doctors in sports medicine and coaches working with athletes, especially in the middle altitude conditions.