Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaires for post-COVID-19 athletes: a valid, reliable, low-athlete burden, self-assessment screening tool for safe return to physical activity and exercise for categories 1 and 2 COVID-19 survivors

• Published in: Korean journal of family medicine Vol. 46; no. 5; pp. 333 - 340
• Main Authors: Aziz, Mohamad Azwan, Shushami, Ahmad Hazwan Ahmad, Helmi, Ahmad Munawwar, Nahar, Azmi Mohamed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) 대한가정의학회 01.09.2025
• Subjects: 가정의학; COVID-19; Post-COVID; Electrocardiography; Return to Play; Exercise; Return to Sport
• ISSN: 2092-6715; 2005-6443; 2092-6715
• DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.24.0036

Background: No disease-specific, reliable, and valid self-assessment tools exist for athletes with mild coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to self-return to sports. This study aimed to develop a self-assessment screening method for athletes with mild COVID-19.Methods: Item generation, item reduction, and pretesting were used to develop a questionnaire that served as a screening tool to detect severe post-COVID-19 complications. The questionnaire was validated by both internal and external reviewers, and the final version consisted of 11 items. Face validity was assessed through direct interviews with 11 athletes. Severe COVID-19 complications were identified for criterion validity and correlation analysis. A total score of 11 indicates that there is no risk of severe COVID-19 complications and gradual return to play is recommended; results <11 indicate a need for further evaluation by trained medical personnel. For reliability test, 50 respondents were chosen and asked to answer the questionnaires 7 days after their first responses.Results: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaires for post-COVID-19 athletes (PAR-COVID-Q) demonstrated excellent internal consistency (r=1, P<0.05) and test-retest reliability (r=1, P<0.05). A total of 118 athletes scored 11, had normal health screening, normal electrocardiogram and chest X-ray, and successfully returned to sports without any reported complications (r=1, P<0.05). Two athletes scored <11 and underwent further medical evaluation.Conclusion: The PAR-COVID-Q is a valid and reliable self-assessment tool with a low burden for athletes to return to sports following mild COVID-19.