End-to-end SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks in sport: Current evidence and practical recommendations

B Jones, L Bonadonna, A Jimenez, KA Stokes, G Phillips, RJ Copeland, SP Kemp, F Valeriani, T Edwards, ER Adams, MJ Cross, C Dalton, L Hodgson, J Patricios, V Romano Spica, M Weed and C Beggs Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused disruption to professional and recreational sports across the world. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can be transmitted by relatively large respiratory droplets that behave ballistically, and exhaled aerosol …

Does a greater training load increase the risk of injury and illness in ultramarathon runners?: A prospective, descriptive, longitudinal design

N Craddock, K Buchholtz & TL Burgess Background: Ultramarathon running has become extremely popular over the years. Despite the numerous health benefits of running, there are also many negative effects of running, such as increased risk of musculoskeletal injury and illness. Monitoring of an athlete’s training load has become extremely important in terms of injury prevention. Currently, the relationship between training loads …

Addressing negative psychosocial factors linked to severe injury in professional rugby players: An introduction to a group psychotherapy approach

TM Hall, JA Botha & JS Patricios Background: Negative psychosocial sequelae of severe rugby injury (SRI) in professional rugby players are well documented. Unaddressed, these issues can leave players vulnerable to persistent common mental disorders (CMD) and negatively affect injury recovery processes. Objective: To introduce a psychotherapeutic group intervention aimed at addressing negative psychosocial sequelae linked to SRI in professional rugby player …

The AWARE Research Study – Athlete With Acute Respiratory Infection

The Sport, Exercise Medicine, Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI) at the University of Pretoria, through the IOC Research Center of South Africa, is leading an international research study to better understand the health impact of respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, in athletes: The AWARE (Athlete With Acute Respiratory InfEction) Research Study. Due to the novelty of COVID-19, we do not know much …

Year of the face mask: do’s and don’ts during exercise

DC Janse van Rensburg, L Pillay, S Hendricks, JA Hamuy Blanco The COVID-19 pandemic causes widespread anxiety and uncertainty regarding disease transmission. In many countries people are obliged to wear a face mask in public spaces. Individuals involved in sports participation at any level need to make informed decisions on wearing a face mask during exercise. Currently there is no …

Analysis of goalkeepers’ game performances at the 2016 European Football Championships

Background: Despite a substantial body of literature on the physical and technical demands of outfield players in football, there is little information regarding the performance of goalkeepers. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the game performance profiles of goalkeepers at the 2016 European Football Championships. Methods: A total of 30 goalkeepers from 15 games played during the 2016 European Football …

Implications of COVID-19 for the resumption of sport in South Africa: A South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) position statement

DA Ramagole, DC Janse van Rensburg, L Pillay, P Viviers, P Zondi & J Patricios  The significant impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic has extended to sport with the cessation of nearly all professional and non-professional events globally. Recreational parks and fitness centres have also closed. A challenge remains to get athletes back to participation in the safest way, balancing the …