Abstract
Changes in exercise behavior and negative emotional states (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) in combat sport (e.g., martial arts) athletes were examined prior to gym closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and approximately one month following gym closures. A total of 312 combat sport athletes from 33 different countries responded to the study solicitation. Three primary research questions were posed: First, were there differences in general exercise and combat sport specific training rates (i.e., hours of exercise per week) among combat sport athletes before and after gym closures due to the pandemic? Second, were there changes in combat sport participants’ negative emotional states prior to pandemic-related gym closures (i.e., February 2020) and following gym closures (i.e., May 2020)? Finally, hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to assess relations among changes in combat-sports training rates pre- and post-gym closures and the three negative emotional states assessed–controlling for age, gender, pre-existing conditions, and training level. Results indicated a significant decrease in combat sport training during gym closures, however participation in other exercise activities did not significantly change. Significant mean increases in the three negative emotional states assessed were found following combat gym closures. Regression analyses revealed that number of hours of participants participated in combat sport training added significant incremental variance explained in negative emotional states-above and beyond that accounted for by gender differences, pre-existing conditions, and training level. Practical Implications regarding losses to preferred exercise activities, based on the findings of this study, are discussed.
Presenters
Jacob LevyAssociate Professor, Psychology, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2021 Special Focus—Sport and Society in Crisis
KEYWORDS
Gym Closures, Pandemic, Combat Sports, Mental Health
