Technology to physical training during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross sectional study with college student-athletes

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to describe the use of smartphone applications for physical training (APP) and participation in Technology-Mediated Training (TMT) in a sample of college student-athletes (SA) during the COVID 19 pandemic. Method: Our descriptive research evaluated EA from a private university from São Paulo states using a questionnaire adapted to the Google Forms platform. Result: 271 SA (Male=158; Female=113; M=21,74±2,26 years old) participated in the survey. 163 (60,1%) SA use APP, 214 (79%) use TMT and 247 (91,1%) use both resources. 46 different APPs were mentioned, the main ones being: 1. Nike Training Club (n=75, 37,7%); 2. Nike Run Club (n=29; 14, 6%) %); 3. Adidas Running (n=13; 6,5%); 4. Leap Fitness Group (n=13; 6,5%) The χ2 test revealed that women were the main users of technology [APP (p=0,005; V=0,169); TMT (p<0,0001; V=0,216) and; APP+TMT (p=0,009; V=0,158)] during the pandemic. Amateur SA used more APP (p=0,003). Final considerations: The results highlight the extensive use of technology in maintaining university SA training during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among women and amateur SA. Future studies should quantify the effects of the use of technology on the physical and emotional health of university SA.