Highlights In elite judo athletes, reinfection with SARS‐CoV‐2 cause more severe respiratory dysfunction compared to primary infection, with notable impairments in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and MEP by −14% and −13%, respectively, at 3 months. FEV 1} and FVC decreased by −5% and −8%, respectively, at 3 months post‐infection. Although respiratory function gradually improved over 9 months, some reinfected athletes have the potential to exhibit a suspected restrictive abnormality (FVC <80% of predicted) characterized by a greater decrease in FVC compared to FEV 1}, leading to an increased FEV 1}/FVC ratio. Reinfected athletes who have recovered from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may require a longer recovery period before returning to training and competition. It seems warranted that they should be followed carefully in terms of clinical rehabilitation needs after a repeated infection and directed to specific care pathways aimed at reducing long‐term adverse effects.
【저자키워드】 Reinfection, Respiratory function tests, Primary infection, COVID–19, athlete, maximal respiratory pressures,