Changes

=Introduction=

Overtraining Syndrome where a lack of recovery from training stress results in underperformance. Recovery is often impaired by other life stresses and these life stresses add to the stress of training. Overtraining Syndrome is sometimes called 'burnout', 'staleness', 'state of chronic fatigue', or 'unexplained under performance syndrome'<ref name="OTPhysioReview"/>. The 'Overtraining' part of Overtraining Syndrome is somewhat of a misnomer, as generally the causes lie as much with poor recovery and non-training stresses<ref name="OTAdjust"/><ref name="OTPhysioReview"/>. Overtraining Syndrome is estimated to effect 65% of competitive long distance runners at some point<ref name="OTIncidence"/>. While some levels of Overtraining Syndrome can be easily overcome, extreme Overtraining Syndrome can take years to recover from. The elite marathon runner [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Salazar Alberto Salazar] suffered from Overtraining Syndrome that lasted for 10 years<ref name="OTDepression"/>. Stories from China suggest that Overtraining Syndrome has been an issue for at least 1500 years<ref name="OTChina"/>. While there is a lot of research around Overtraining Syndrome, there is no common or consistent terminology, nor is there a clear standard for the diagnosis of Overtraining Syndrome<ref name="OTEcssPos"/>.

=Overtraining and Overtraining Syndrome=

[[Overtraining]] does not always result in Overtraining Syndrome. A short period of mild [[Overtraining]] can be part of [[Overload]] training, which can result in improved performance. Acute [[Overtraining]] tends to produce [[Too Much Too Soon]] and a lack of active recovery can produce [[Overuse]] injuries. However, Overtraining Syndrome involves a decrease in performance and usually has negative [[Mood State]] changes. Because Overtraining Syndrome is the balance between all stresses (training + life stress) and recovery from all stresses, it can affect even lower volume athletes.

==Overtraining Syndrome Subtypes==

''Main Article [[Overtraining Syndrome Subtypes]]''

=Causes of Overtraining Syndrome=

''Main Article [[Causes of Overtraining Syndrome]]''

* '''Infection or illness'''<ref name="OTEcssPos"/><ref name="OTDepression"/>. An illness or infection puts additional stress on the body. If the athlete continues to train with an illness this can dramatically increase the stress of training.

* '''Poor diet'''<ref name="OTEcssPos"/><ref name="OTDepression"/>. Reduced calorie intake also reduces our ability to recover and deal with stress, both training stress and non-training stress. A poor quality diet that is lacking in essential nutrients can also have a negative impact on recovery. To particular deficiencies to note are [[Magnesium]]<ref name="OTEcssPos"/> and Iron<ref name="OTEcssPos"/>. A symptom of Overtraining Syndrome is reduced appetite, making the quality of the diet worse.

=Symptoms and Detection=

''Main article: [[Overtraining Syndrome Symptoms]]''

* '''Insomnia or disturbed sleep'''<ref name="OTPhysioReview"/>. Overtraining Syndrome tends to interfere with sleep, which in turn impairs recovery and rest, leading to a positive feedback cycle.

* '''Unexplained [[Weight Loss|weight loss]]'''. Changes in [[Mood State]] can often result in a loss of appetite leading to a drop in body weight.

=Alternative explanation of the symptoms =

There are various other problems that could cause the symptoms of Overtraining Syndrome<ref name="OTEcssPos"/>. Because these problems share the symptoms of Overtraining Syndrome, diagnosis of Overtraining Syndrome typically requires a process of elimination.

* Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.

* Anemia or other severe nutritional deficits.

=Recovery=

''Main article: [[Recovering from Overtraining Syndrome]]''

* Diet is an important part of recovery. The correct calorie balance and a diet with a balanced ratio of carbohydrates/[[Protein|protein]]/fat is highly recommended<ref name="OTPhysioReview"/>. The change in training load requires that the diet is carefully evaluated.

* There are reports of successfully treating [[Overtraining Syndrome]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noradrenergic_and_specific_serotonergic_antidepressant serotonergic antidepressants]<ref name="OTMentalStigma"/> and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_serotonin_reuptake_inhibitor SSRI antidepressants] <ref name="OTDepression"/>.

=Prevention=

Obviously prevention is better than cure, but there is currently no known way of preventing Overtraining Syndrome for an athlete who wishes to training optimally.

* Measure [[Training Monotony]], which is a key cause of Overtraining Syndrome<ref name="OTEcssPos"/><ref name="OTDepression"/>.

* Establish and maintain a good social network as support group<ref name="OTPhysioReview"/>.

=Training monotony=

''Main article: [[Training Monotony]]''

It is long been recognized the athletes cannot train hard every day. Modern training plans recommend a few hard days per week, with the other days as easier or rest days. A lack of variety in training stress, known as [[Training Monotony]], is considered a key factor in causing Overtraining Syndrome<ref name="OTEcssPos"/><ref name="OTDepression"/>. There is also evidence<ref name="variabledose"/> that increased training frequency results in reduced performance benefits from identical training sessions as well as increased fatigue.

=References=

<references>