COVID-19 infection in athletes usually has a milder course, but in the case of complications, myocarditis and even sudden cardiac death may occur. We examined an athlete who felt symptoms upon returning to training after asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. Physical, laboratory, and echocardiography findings were normal. The cardiopulmonary exercise test was interrupted at submaximal effort due to severe dyspnea in the presence of reduced functional capacity in comparison to previous tests. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) detected the focal myocarditis. After three months of recovery, CMR still revealed the presence of focal myocarditis and the persistence of decreased functional capacity. This case raises the question of screening athletes even after asymptomatic forms of COVID-19 infection.

The confirmed benefits of regular moderate exercise on cardiovascular health have positioned athletes as an illustration of well-being. However, concerns have arisen regarding the potential predisposition to arrhythmias in individuals engaged in prolonged strenuous exercise. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common heart arrhythmia, is typically associated with age-related risks but has been documented in otherwise healthy young and middle-aged endurance athletes. The mechanism responsible for AF involves atrial remodeling, fibrosis, inflammation, and alterations in autonomic tone, all of which intersect with the demands of endurance sports, cumulative training hours, and competitive participation. This unique lifestyle requires a tailored therapeutic approach, often favoring radiofrequency ablation as the preferred treatment. As the number of professional and non-professional athletes engaging in high-level daily sports activities rises, awareness of AF within this demographic becomes imperative. This review delivers the etiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic considerations surrounding AF in endurance sports.

Background/Aim. It is well known that continuous engagement in physical activity is important for normal growth and development of children. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), as a measure of functional state of the organism, is largely affected by level of physical activity, by it remains unclear to what extent it can be improved during childhood. The aim of the study was to evaluate dynamics of changes in aerobic capacity, anthropometric and body composition characteristics in active and non-active girls over a period of three years. Methods. A total of 48 young girls were included in the study. Girls were divided into two groups: "training group" consisted of 25 girls who played basketball (age 13.84±0.94) and "non-training group" of 23 girls who were not involved in any organized sports (age 13.83±0.98). Anthropometric and body composition characteristic were measured in order to monitor somatic growth during the study. VO2maxvalues were obtained by performing cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill. All parameters were measured every six months during three years period. Results. ANOVA analysis showed a significant time and group interaction effect on VO2max (p <0.001), body mass index(BMI) (p <0.001) and fat percentage(FAT%) (p <0.01). Also, there was an obvious increase in VO2max within both groups due to growth and development itself (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The main finding of the study was an increase in VO2max due to growth and development. The girls who actively participated in basketball had higher level of aerobic capacity compared to non-active girls. Furthermore, continuous basketball training led to maintaining normal body composition in terms of FAT% and BMI, which altogether may imply that organized physical activity has a positive influence on evaluated characteristics.

Introduction and Purpose: Athletes, especially in weight-dependent sports, are at higher risk of developing eating disorders (ED). Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) results from a mismatch between energy intake (EI) and exercise, leading to an athlete triad. Material and Methods: Our study includes ten high-performance athletes who came to the Center for Sports Nutrition and Supplementation because of ED. Nutritional and mental status were evaluated individually (physician’s examination, body composition, eating and supplement habits, blood analysis, accelerometer, and three-day diet diary). Results: Nine female and one male athlete with an average age of 17 years are classified as having anorexia nervosa (5), bulimia nervosa (4), or an eating disorder not otherwise specified (1). Female athletes had an average BMI of 18.4 kg/m² and an F% of 19.7. All athletes had RED-S with an average EI of 1660 kcal/day and an energy expenditure of 2300 kcal/day. Representing different sports (swimming, volleyball, tennis, basketball, jazz ballet, and synchronized swimming), 7/10 athletes stopped training and 5/10 needed hospitalization because of ED exacerbation. In 7/9 athletes, there were <6 menses/12 months. An antidepressive drug (SSRIs) was indicated in six athletes. The average serum iron level was low, at 13.5 micromol/L. Carbohydrates, fat, and proteins were present in EI at 42.8%, 35.4%, and 21.8%. Athletes showed an intake deficit of cholesterol, magnesium, biotin, chrome, iron, fiber, folate, iodine, potassium, vitamins D, E, and K, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine. Conclusion: Early identification of ED is associated with better outcomes. Educating athletes, sports entourages, and especially parents about healthy eating, pathological eating behaviors, and their consequences is crucial.