In March 2020, US schools were closed and interscholastic sports cancelled in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19. Dr. Tim McGuine, PhD, ATC, at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health was the lead investigator into the potential affect of this on student-athletes.
Numerous studies have shown that the cancellation of sport opportunities was associated with significant negative health impacts (increased mental health issues, decreased physical activity and decreased quality of life) for adolescents.
Study Objectives: To document how restarting interscholastic sports has improved the health of adolescent athletes. Data collected in the spring of 2021 were compared with the data we previously collected in May 2020 while sports were cancelled.
Resources:
Impact of Restarting High School Sports Article
Impact of Restarting High School Sports Study Report