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Jarek MäestuSports Scientist (PhD),

Ex rower and rowing coach,Rowing Academy Scientist

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MARKERS OF OVERTRAINING

Performance tests

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Figure 1. Positive adaptation to multiple overload workouts

Probably the strongest parameter that can identify excessive overtraining is athletic performance, as performance is reflected by overall positive and negative adaptations to training.

It is a common finding that after high training load periods performance decreases. Nevertheless, coaches and athletes are looking for significant increases in performance after the recovery period (Figure1). This means that performance should always be measured to be correctly analyzed.

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In most endurance athletes an incremental exercise test until exhaustion is regularly performed throughout the season as it enables to measure performance at several intensities (aerobic threshold, anaerobic threshold, VO2max, maximal performance). Also, multiple submaximal tests are performed to measure steady state levels at various intensities .

The typical expectation from this test would be that the lactate performance curve will shift to the right that in general indicates an increased endurance performance (Figure 2).

Figure 2. 5 min test series at 60, 70 and 80% of 2000m power in US rowing team.

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Jeukendrup et al. (1994) have shown that lowered blood lactate profile may also be an indication of severe overtraining if maximal lactate concentrations at maximal intensity during the test are significantly decreased.

Figure 3. Lactate curves of the cyclist having significantly decreased performance (Jeukendrup et al. 1994)

It is usually noticed that the overtrained athlete is able to perform very well at training speeds but will be quickly exhausted at racing speeds. Therefore, for athletic performance analysis, maximal intensity tests or time trials are suggested, as they will most likely show the changes in exercise capacity (ability to sustain the specific intensity for certain time period) as a result of severe overtraining.

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In conclusion

Performance is the key marker of excessive overtraining. It is recommended to use maximal performance tests to get feedback, as during submaximal tests, performance might not be altered by overtraining. However, the submaximal intensity test, if performed until exhaustion, may be used.

References

• Hagerman FC. The physiology of competitive rowing. In: Exercise and Sport Science, W. Garrett JR, Kirkendall D, eds. Lippincot Williams & Wilkins, 2000.

• Jeukendrup AE, Hesslink KC. Overtraining – what do lactate curves tell us? British Journal of Sports Medicine 1994; 28: 239-240.

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