Open AccessA Practical Approach to the Overtraining Syndrome
Author(s) -
P. Z. Pearce
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
current sports medicine reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.424
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1537-8918
pISSN - 1537-890X
DOI - 10.1249/00149619-200206000-00009
Subject(s) - overtraining , athletes , medicine , rest (music) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , adaptation (eye) , neuroscience , psychology
The overtraining syndrome is a chronic fatiguing illness that affects highly motivated endurance athletes. It is characterized by declining performance when maintaining a normal training program. The cause seems to be failure of adaptation within the neuroendocrine system, due to inadequate periods of rest. The onset is insidious and unfortunately, once it manifests, the only treatment is rest. This article discusses the known pathophysiology of overtraining, along with practical aspects of evaluation and treatment.