Relationship between physical activity and mood states during general quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic among athletes in racket sports

 The COVID-19 disease and related restrictive measures such as quarantine have affected many aspects in human life, including physical activity and mood. The present study aims to investigate physical activity and mental states of athletes in racket sports during general quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 This is a descriptive correlational study. participants were 196 athletes in racket sports (123 males and 73 females). Their physical activity was measured by Cho’s 5-item physical activity questionnaire surveying the type, frequency and intensity of training (from low to very high) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. To evaluate their mood states, we used the short form of Brunel Mood Scale. Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze data in SPSS v. 22 software.

 The number of training sessions per week and the duration of training decreased during quarantine compared to pre-quarantine period in both male and female racket players (P<0.05). This reduction in duration and number of training sessions was negatively and significantly related to mood states (P= 0.001). 

 Training has a positive effect on the mood states of athletes in racket sports during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intensity of training can affect their mood more than the duration of training. with the increase of training intensity, their negative moods decrease