Training and overtraining: an introduction

TLDR

Elite athletes require high training volumes, yet the link between training load and performance development remains poorly understood, and early‑stage overreaching and overtraining lack reliable diagnostic markers. Short‑term overtraining stems from inadequate metabolic recovery and ATP depletion, while systemic overtraining arises when the hypothalamus cannot manage cumulative stress. The study finds that the training‑performance relationship follows an inverted‑U shape, improving with load up to a threshold beyond which performance declines.

Abstract

Elite sport requires high training volumes. However, little is known about the relationship between training volume and performance development. This relationship appears to have an inverted U-shape. Short-term overtraining or overreaching is probably associated with insufficient metabolic recovery, resulting in a decline in ATP levels. Systemic overtraining or staleness is attributed to failure of the hypothalamus to cope with the total amount of stress. Clinically, a parasympathetic and sympathetic form has been distinguished. It is assumed that these two forms express different stages of staleness. No specific, simple, and reliable parameters are known to diagnose overreaching and overtraining in the earliest stage.