Sport and exercise participation in time of Covid-19—A narrative review of medical and health perspective

Abstract

Coronavirus outbreak during 2020 brought enormous challenges for the world of sport and exercise. Much debated lockdown finished with the first wave in most countries and the “new normal” was the new beginning for professional and recreational sport activities. The aim of this narrative review is to acknowledge the most important medical and health aspects of sport and exercise participation until COVID-19 pandemic is resolved. Management of existing crisis creates numerous opportunities for medical advances. Remote testing, tele-health, field laboratories, continuous follow-up of professional athletes, technological advances and artificial intelligence in new sporting environment using multidisciplinary, and systematic approach can be now thoroughly evaluated and defined for the best SEM practices. Sports and exercise medicine expertise in prevention can have a decisive role in dealing with ongoing and future pandemics. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd