A comprehensive interdisciplinary view at the Return to Sport after COVID-19 infection.

Hrdlička, Filip; Větvička, Jaroslav; Bendová, Vendula; Beran, Jiří; Bunganič, Bohuslav; Krejčí St, Petr; Kroček, Lumír; Monhart, Václav; Mühlfeit, Jan; Rákosník, Přemysl; Stejskal, Pavel; Šafář, Michal; Veselka, Josef; Vítek, Libor

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world. It applies to all age and social groups. It is no different with athletes. So far, we cannot say for sure what the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection are. Recent evidence, however, suggests that we should be very careful when returning to sports. After self-isolation, the athlete should undergo a Preparticipation Physical Examination and then pay attention to the gradual dosing of the load to prevent complications. Lifestyle changes and care for the mental health of athletes are also necessary during the illness. In this work, we present a comprehensive methodology for returning to sports after COVID-19 for medical and coaching teams caring for athletes divided according to the course of the disease. In scientific literature, similar algorithms are called "Return to Play" or "Return to Sport". Creating an exact algorithm can make the Return to Play process more efficient and safer. However, increased attention still needs to be paid to certain organ systems and specific symptoms that could indicate long-term consequences to the new type of coronavirus.