Research Article

Exploring the Impact of a Global Pandemic (COVID-19) on Factors Impacting the Resilience of Top-Tier London Hockey Players

Table 7

Performance themes around physiological changes during lockdown.

ThemesSubthemesExample quotations

Adaptation (motivation)Fitness levels“Training sessions are a lower intensity and shorter. Less varied therefore found it difficult to stick to a regular routine”
“Training on my own has been a huge struggle, because I really missed the motivation of my teammates”
“Generally, I have got fitter. I enjoy running and training for a challenge, so I ran my first half marathon, my fastest 5 k (17.30 if you are interested) and equalled by 10 kpb”

Physiological impact (capability)Body composition“Decline in muscle mass and increase in fat. Higher alcohol consumption and less exercise”
“The inability to go to the gym and do weight training has resulted in less muscle”
“Lost 7 kgs from eating better but less muscle given no gyms are open”
“Weight is 10% higher than normal”
Energy levels“Energy levels have dropped and exercising has been a battle”
“WFH and not really leaving the house made me much more lethargic”
“More often felt demotivated, less energetic, concentration span declined”
Cognitive focus“Feel more energised and focus. Have become slimmer but probably put on a bit more muscle”
“In the beginning there was a constant feeling of exhaustion. Now with intermittent fasting I feel like I focus so much better and I can choose when to dedicate that time to eat. Instead of just doing it constantly or when I get a craving”
Sleep patterns“I have toned up quite a lot and feel more energetic—although I am also getting more sleep from not commuting so that will be helping”
“I sleep late was furloughed so lost a lot of structure, struggling to get regular sleeping pattern back”
“My sleep patterns have typically been consistent at around 7 hours. However,…the stress of working in ICU made it difficult to sleep more than 5 hours”