Rebuilding Performance During COVID-19
The 180° High Performance COVID-19 Testing Event
The Sports Scientist
The COVID-19 shutdown presented a unique challenge for athletes—prolonged inactivity and the uncertainty of return-to-play protocols. In collaboration with Red Bull Canada and The Hangar at Downsview Park, 180° High Performance gathered 180 elite athletes for a comprehensive athletic testing event. The primary goal was to assess how performance declined over time, both after a short layoff (1-3 weeks) and the entire COVID-19 shutdown.
Testing focused on three key areas: aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, and technical ability. On average, we observed:
VO2 max reductions of 7-12% in players who had been inactive for 1-3 weeks, with declines reaching 15-20%for those sidelined throughout the pandemic.
A drop of 10-15% in repeated sprint ability (RSA), measured through 5x30m sprint testing with incomplete recovery. Players who had no structured training lost as much as 20% of their top sprint velocity.
A 9-14% increase in ground contact time during vertical jump testing, highlighting neuromuscular inefficiencies from detraining.
Ball control scores dropped 12-18% in technical drills, demonstrating the rapid decline in on-ball sharpness after extended layoffs.
Recovery strategies were emphasized, focusing on progressive conditioning, neuromuscular reactivation, and gradual exposure to high-intensity loads. The results reinforced the importance of structured return-to-play protocols, ensuring players regain performance without increasing injury risk.
The Athlete
These athletes were coming back after months of isolation to socialize but also compete. Fitness wasn’t just about feeling tired—it was about how much was lost. Sprinting would feel slower, touches on the ball would feel sluggish and and sharp movements, labored. The 30-15 Intermittent test, would either feel like wind in their sales, a chance to finally open up stride in a competive envoironment; or torture, showing how much endurance faded. Even after just a few weeks off, things like acceleration and match fitness took a hit.
It was frustrating but also motivating, seeing the data made it clear that staying consistent with training, even during downtime, was the key to staying ready. The event gave our coaches a baseline, and from there, it was all about building back.
The Fan
Watching high-level athletes struggle after time off was both surprising and a reminder of how quickly the game can change. Some of the best talents looked a step slower, but what stood out was their determination to push through. The testing wasn’t just about numbers—it was about proving that setbacks don’t define an athlete.
This event highlighted the resilience of players. Despite the layoffs, the hunger to return was undeniable. The passion, effort, and will to compete showed that no matter the circumstances, athletes will always find a way to fight back.
