UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Orthopedics

Title: Overtraining Syndrome

Keywords: Overtraining syndrome, exercise (PubMed Search)

Posted: 2/8/2014 by Brian Corwell, MD
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Overtraining syndrome

A maladaptive response to excessive exercise without adequate functional rest

-Results in disturbances of multiple body systems (neurologic, endocrinologic, immunologic and psychologic).

- May be caused by systemic inflammation and resultant neurohormonal changes
- Multiple hypotheses exist

-Symptoms

Parasympathetic alterations: fatigue, depression, bradycardia

Sympathetic alterations: insomnia, irritability, agitation, tachycardia, hypertension, restlessness

Other: anorexia, weight loss, poor concentration, anxiety

Usual presentation is prolonged underperformance despite adequate rest and recovery (weeks to months).