Effects of COVID-19 on diaphragmatic thickness and physical performance of athletes

Abstract

Studies suggest that diaphragmatic thickness (ED) is associated with inspiratory muscle strength and, consequently, better ventilatory and mechanical efficiency. On the other hand, infectious diseases like COVID-19 can impact the structure and function of the respiratory system. Objective: To evaluate the association between ED and physical performance (PD) of athletes and the effects of COVID-19 infection on these parameters. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 63 athletes from different sports, of both sexes (female: 16.67 ± 5.03 years, 52.09 ± 14.01 kg, 155.90 ± 13.86 cm ; male 23.44 ± 9.65 years, 72.24 ± 14.18 kg, 174.84 ± 6.84 cm), who were submitted to ED evaluation by means of ultrasound and then to the DF test (Yo -Yo test) to determine the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). Pearson's correlation was used to verify the association between VO2max and ED, and Student's t test was used to verify differences between athletes with positive and negative diagnoses for COVID-19. The significance level was adjusted to 5%. Results: There was no association between ED and DF (r = 0.30 and p = 0.22) and there was no difference between uninfected and infected athletes with COVID-19 in relation to ED (57.00 ± 0.26 vs 52 .00 ± 0.25%; p = 0.91) and FD (43.88 ± 2.29 vs 38.34 ± 13.61 ml/kg/min; p = 0.69). Conclusion: ED was not associated with maximal oxygen consumption in athletes. In addition, athletes infected with COVID-19 did not show differences in VO2max and ED compared to non-infected ones.