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Effect of COVID-19 on Maintaining Balance in Highly Skilled Handball Players

Author

Listed:
  • Fernández-Rodríguez Emilio

    (University of Malaga, Faculty of Education Sciences, Sport Department, Spain)

  • Niźnikowski Tomasz

    (Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Health, Biała Podlaska, Poland)

  • Ramos Oscar Romero

    (University of Malaga, Faculty of Education Sciences, Sport Department, Spain)

  • Markwell Logan

    (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on maintaining balance in highly skilled handball players during the performance of the modified Romberg test. Material and Methods. As part of a larger investigation that was initiated in 2019, twelve professional handball players were recruited to participate in a study that was designed to measure static balance performance. Following the initial pre-test, six participants (body height 184.8 ± 4.7 cm; body weight 85.5 ± 3.3 kg; age 21.3 ± 1.2 years) contracted COVID-19. The remaining six participants (body height 188.7 ± 2.6 cm; body weight 92.3 ± 3.7 kg; age 26.3 ± 3.3 years) never tested positive for COVID-19 and pre-sumably were not infected with the virus. The experimental design required all participants to complete an initial balance assessment (pre-test) and a later balance assessment (post-test). To fully analyze our data, we conducted a 2 (condition: COVID, no-COVID) X 2 (test: pre-test, post-test) ANOVA with repeated measures on the second factor. Results. Our research results showed that the skilled handball players who contracted COVID-19 mani-fested a significant decrease in balance performance from the pre-test which occurred prior to being infected with COVID-19 relative to the post-test which occurred following the COVID-19 infection. Conclusions. In conclusion, the results we have reported here are the first to show an objectively measured association between COVID-19 and the ability to maintain balance. Further intensive multifaceted research on this issue is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernández-Rodríguez Emilio & Niźnikowski Tomasz & Ramos Oscar Romero & Markwell Logan, 2023. "Effect of COVID-19 on Maintaining Balance in Highly Skilled Handball Players," Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism, Sciendo, vol. 30(3), pages 18-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:spotou:v:30:y:2023:i:3:p:18-22:n:1
    DOI: 10.2478/pjst-2023-0015
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