The Influence of Physical Activities on Mental Health among Athletes during COVID-19 Pandemics : A Systematic Literature

Abstract: Background: During 2020-2022, the SARS-COVID-19-2 (COVID-19) pandemic contributed to a global health crisis that affected society and individuals. One particularly vulnerable group was athletes, with limited personal health and physical exercise opportunities.Objectives: The first objective aims to explore the factors that influence the physical activities of athletes during COVID-19. The second objective aims to explore the factors that influence the mental health of athletes during COVID-19. The third objective aims to explore the relationship between physical activities and mental health among athletes during COVID19. Design: Systematic literature review.Method: The electronic databases PubMed, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) and Google Scholar are selected. The inclusion criteria including a) Empirical research and peer-reviewed articles, b) Written in English, and c) containing keywords such as psychological distress, health, physical activities, COVID-19 and athletes.Results: A total of 10 reported studies have been included in this work. Most of these studies have shown that physical activities decreased during the COVID-19 outbreak due to a loss of motivation in athletes. Due to compromised physical activities, athletes started facing issues related to their mental health, like stress, depression, and anxiety. The less exercise and training sessions also affected the quality of sleep and reduced bedtime. Loss of sleep was an additional contributor to mental distress.Conclusion: The Study shows the importance of physical activities in the lives of athletes that are highly influenced during a pandemic. The result shows a positive association between mental health and physical activities.