Effects of COVID-19 vaccination on aerobic and anaerobic athlete's performance
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Abstract
The global response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emphasized the paramount importance of vaccination in mitigating transmission and reducing the burden of the disease. However, the ramifications of COVID-19 vaccination on the physical performance of athletes, particularly concerning aerobic and anaerobic activities, remain an area of ongoing investigation. In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to discern the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on the performance metrics of both aerobic and anaerobic exercises in a cohort comprising 40 healthy adults aged 18 to 40 years. Our findings indicate that COVID-19 vaccination was associated with modest declines in both aerobic and anaerobic performance among individuals engaged in regular exercise regimens. Notably, reductions in key parameters such as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), peak heart rate (HRpeak), and peak power output (PPO) were observed following vaccination, with changes ranging from approximately 4% to 8%. Despite these alterations, the clinical relevance of these findings remains uncertain, as the observed changes are unlikely to significantly impact the overall health or fitness of the participants. While the precise mechanisms underlying the observed performance decrements post-vaccination warrant further elucidation, they are likely attributed, at least in part, to the immune response elicited by the vaccine. Consequently, future research endeavors should strive to comprehensively delineate the pathways through which COVID-19 vaccination influences physical performance, as well as to devise strategies aimed at mitigating any potential adverse effects on athletic training and competitive outcomes. While COVID-19 vaccination appears to exert some influence on aerobic and anaerobic performance metrics, the observed decrements are relatively minor and may not present significant impediments to athletes' overall fitness levels or competitive prowess.