Disclosures: Mark DeCotiis, MD: No financial relationships or conflicts of interest

Objective: To assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social distancing guidelines on adaptive athletes’ self-reported physical health, mental health, and overall quality of life

Design: Survey-based cross-sectional study utilizing qualitative and quantitative measuresSetting : Survey was shared online and by organizations dedicated to adaptive sports. Study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools.Participants : Convenience online sample of English-speaking adults who self-identify as adaptive athletes

Interventions: None

Main Outcome Measures: Demographic information, sporting participation history pre- and post-pandemic, and mental health assessment using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and adapted Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ). Narrative comments were compiled and analyzed thematically.

Results: 60 responses were collected with 37 male and 23 female, representing 20 different sports. 70% of respondents participated in sports more than 10 hours per month prior to the pandemic, with 71.6% reporting fewer than 10 hours per month since the pandemic. Over 50% of respondents had interruptions in healthcare affecting their ability to participate in sports. 58.3% noted weight changes linked to decreased motivation, stress, and decreased activity. 90% reported negative mood changes, including anxiety, depression, anger, and feelings of isolation.Conclusions: Fear of virus exposure, lockdowns, program cancellations, gym closures, and lack of staff to assist with participation had a major impact on adaptive athletes’ ability to participate in sports. Significant negative impacts in mood were found which were linked to feelings of isolation and lack of understanding of the needs specific to disabled athletes. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdowns limited not only physical participation in sport, but also the significant social interactions these sports provide. It is important to recognize these challenges as some are unique to adaptive athletes, whether at an elite or recreational level.

Level of Evidence: Level IV

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PM&R Meeting Abstracts - https://pmrjabstracts.org/abstract/effects-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-on-the-physical-and-mental-health-of-adaptive-athletes/