An investigation to the Physical Activity of Amateur Athletes during the Covid-19 Quarantine

Background. Given the current prevalence of COVID-19, the World Health Organization has issued an order to implement health protocols, social distancing, and home quarantine in order to control and manage the disease. Athletes' physical activities have been affected by quarantine conditions; this study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the physical activities of amateur athletes from Tehran National Gas Company in order to develop methods for maintaining physical fitness.

Methods. In this descriptive-survey study, a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 15 questions was used to collect the required data. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were checked by the experts, and then the online questionnaire prepared by the google form software was sent to the individuals. The variables examined in the questionnaire were: current status of athletes 'physical fitness, relationship with the coach, place of residence, physical activity at home, athletes' feelings, training programs, level of family support for athletes' sports activity, number and duration of training sessions, training intensity, and the diet. The statistical population of this study was 100 individuals. The sample size was determined based on Morgan table, and 70 individuals were finally selected through easy sampling method and included in the study.

Results. The results showed that most athletes were in the age range of 51-60 years. Most of the participants were active in the field of mountaineering. Majority of them had moderate physical fitness compared to the pre-quarantine period.

Conclusion. In sum, most athletes had a moderate level of physical fitness. It was recommended that the intensity of physical activities should be increased under supervision of coaches in order to maintain the fitness and increase the health and immunity.