Training intensity, sleep, and athletes’ well-being during COVID-19 lockdowns

This study investigates the impact of training intensity, contingent self-worth in sport, and sleep on athletes' well-being during COVID-19 lockdowns. The pandemic disrupted training routines, social interactions, and mental health. Using online surveys, data were collected from 161 athletes across three periods: pre-lockdown, during lockdown, and post-lockdown. The study employed the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and the Contingent Self-worth in Sports (CSWS) questionnaire. A Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) identified two athlete profiles based on self-worth dependence on sports performance. Results showed reduced training frequency and increased sleep during lockdown. Athletes with moderate-to-high training intensity and lower self-worth dependence on performance demonstrated greater mental resilience and well-being. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining structured training and balanced self-worth to support athletes’ mental health during disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.