Overtraining - Dr Jonathan King


OVERTRAINING
* def (Mackinnon , 1993): generalised stress response caused by high volume, high intensity training, a sudden increase in training volume, and inadequate recovery between training sessions.
* continuum from short-term overreaching to longer term staleness or overtraining Syndrome.
* Overreaching: < 1 week symptoms. Easily reversible with rest, change in training programme.
* Overtraining Syndrome / Staleness / Burnout: : (OTS)

Symptoms:
1) prolonged fatigue: poor training & competition performances
2)  mood disturbances: anxiety, depression
3)  muscle soreness
4)  decreased motivation
5)  respiratory tract infections

Signs: 1)  postural hypotension
      2) < or > resting pulse
      3)  cervical & axillary adenopathy
      4)  need to do thorough exam to exclude other causes eg. Anaemia

* Researchers have divided OTS into Sympathetic and Parasympathetic types:
* Sympathetic: younger athletes (Nilsson, 1987): Increased resting Heart rate, blood pressure;
* Parasympathetic: decreased performance, co-ordination problems, headaches, depression, frequent URTI's, increased injuries, muscle tenderness.
* Mackinnon thinks there is a continuum , with overtrained athlete moving from one to other.
* These appear to be descriptive terms.

* Investigations: THERE IS NO DIAGNOSTIC SEROLOGICAL MARKER.

However, one needs to make sure that there is no treatable medical condition contributing to an athlete's fatigue.

Common causes are:
1) Iron deficiency, usually from inadequate iron in the diet.
2) Inadequate calories relative to energy expenditure
3) Infection- usually a viral infection such as a cold, flu, or Infectious Mononucleosis (Glandular fever)
4)  Lack of rest/ sleep.


Less common causes are:
1) Underactive thyroid gland
2)  Exercise-related Asthma
3) Post-viral fatigue
4) Medications eg antihistamines, cold & flu tablets
5) Depression
6) Diabetes
7) Heart problems such as valvular disease
8) Kidney failure

Prevention
* individualised training programme: rest periods for recovery, duration sessions, intensity, frequency,  periodisation
* Diet, fluids
* Sensible Coaching
* Early detection, education

Monitor in Daily Diary:
1.  Training details
2.  Muscle Soreness
3.  Mood
4.  Fatigue Level
5.  Sleep Pattern
6.  Causes of stress/ unhappiness
7.  Illness, injury

If one is unsure of one's situation, it is wise to check with your nearest Sports Physician!