Are You Overtraining?

 

EIS - 31.03.09

Overtraining is known to affect up to 10% of endurance athletes during their careers. Here, English Institute of Sport (EIS) Director of Medical Services Dr Rod Jaques explains what it is, how to spot it and, more importantly, what you should do if it affects you.

eis2win.co.uk has a range of downloadable factsheets compiled by EIS experts from across the network aimed at athletes and coaches of all abilities providing information and advice on a range of different topics from Hayfever symptoms to wearing the right running shoes…

To view other factsheets click here

What is Overtraining?

Dr Rod Jaques: Overtraining, or ‘Unexplained Underperformance Syndrome’ (UUPS) as it is often referred to as, can be caused by a number of factors such as hard training or stresses in home, academic or work life.

What symptoms should I look out for?

There are a variety of symptoms but the most common is poor performance over a continued period of around six weeks or more.

How is it diagnosed?

Medically, there are unfortunately no clear diagnostic blood tests but it is important to exclude, often with blood tests, any other medical conditions which may replicate  fatigue in athletes.

Because the condition can be mimicked by a number of other medial problems an experienced Sports Physician should be consulted, don’t be surprised if blood tests and other investigations are done before a conclusion is made.

What should I do if I suspect I have UUPS?

Your coach is a key person to involve at an early stage, then as part of any assessment to establish whether or not you have UUPS you should see a sports physician, a nutritionist and, if necessary, a sports psychologist.

It is essential that fatigue and under performance is discussed with your coach and preferably an EIS Doctor.

How long will it take to recover?

Recovery times vary, but can last around three to six months. Recovery is often based upon a pulse dependant rehabilitation programme, with psychological and nutritional support.

Adherence to the rehabilitation programme is essential and may well involve keeping a diary to reflect back your fatigue and other symptom levels to continue the support throughout your rehabilitation.

Over the last three or four years with regular EIS care we have noticed a significant falling off in UUPS symptoms amongst elite athletes and this undoubtedly reflects good multi disciplinary care between the coaching staff, sports science and sports medicine providers.

Photography © SW Pix