Abstract

Diagnosis of overtraining and overreaching syndrome in athletes

Author(s): Grivas Gerasimos

Overtraining (OT) is one of the most popular topics between coaches and researchers. The problem of this syndrome has been well-known for 70-years, however, the mechanism that induces OT remains unclear. Many recent papers have referred to the work of Kreider et al for the definitions of overreaching (OR) and OT. Overreaching: An accumulation of training and/or non-training stress resulting in short-term decrement in performance capacity with or without related physiological and psychological signs and symptoms of maladaptation in which restoration of performance capacity may take from several days to several weeks. Overtraining: An accumulation of training and/or non-training stress resulting in longterm decrement in performance capacity with or without related physiological and psychological signs and symptoms of maladaptation in which restoration of performance capacity may take several weeks or months. Diagnosis of OTS and OR is not simple. Unfortunately, diagnosis of OTS cannot be made definitively with one biomarker, there are a few markers that may be considered in the elite athlete. From the literature the most used biomarkers are urea (5-7 mmol/L), uric acid (237-449 μmol/L), ammonia (70-80 μmol/L), and creatine kinase (100-250 U/L).8 However, there are many others biomarkers that should be examined. However, one may be able to estimate training load and the body’s response with the following: salivary immunoglobulin A, serum testosterone: cortisol and overnight urinary cortisol: cortisol ratio. Diagnosis of OT or OR is difficult, authors agree that is important to prevent them. Moreover, one proposed method it is of utmost importance that athletes record daily their training load, using a daily training diary or training log. History of athletes should include inquiry about training (monotony, excessive load, sudden increase, caloric/hydration needs in relation to load) and personal stressors (interpersonal, family, sleep, travel).