Challenges and Solutions for Supporting Athletes during COVID-19 Pandemic —A case report of the High Performance Gym at the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences—

Abstract

We have been operating the High Performance Gym (HPG) for Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Our main job is to conduct performance tests and movement screening. During the state of emergency in April and May of 2020, our facility was closed. Instead, we have provided instruction videos of corrective exercises to be used for athletes in their homes. After reopening the HPG, we have had to rethink our daily operations and assessment methodology. Athletes show new and varied requirements for their assessment/training at the HPG since the COVID-19 pandemic. The athletes we have supported have chosen to prioritize aerobic/anaerobic training with cycle ergometers to assess their daily performance.