MEDICAL TERM: OTS
Overtraining syndrome happens when an athlete fails to recover adequately from training and competition. The symptoms are due to a combination of changes in hormones, suppression of the immune system (which decreases the athlete’s ability to fight infection), physical fatigue and psychological changes. Risk factors include specializing in a single sport, sudden increases in training, participation in endurance sports, low self- esteem, and parental and coaching pressure to perform.
OTS Symptoms
Parasympathetic Alterations *
Fatigue
Depression
Bradycardia
Loss of motivation
Sympathetic Alterations **
Insomnia
Irritability
Agitation
Hypertension
Restlessness
Other
Anorexia
Weight loss
Lack of mental concentration
Tachycardia Heavy, sore, stiff muscles
Anxiety
Awakening unrefreshed
*: More common in aerobic sports.
**: More common in anaerobic sports.
