Evaluating Hormonal Roles in Overtraining Syndrome

Significance of Recovery in Athletes

In a recent systematic review, researchers examined the influence of hormones on overtraining syndrome (OTS). Athletes understand that recovery periods are as crucial as training sessions. Insufficient rest and nutrition may lead to OTS, exacerbating issues related to muscle fatigue, hormonal balance, and metabolic function.

Understanding Overtraining

Overtraining can manifest as functional overreaching (FOR) and non-functional overreaching (NFOR), both of which are characterized by a decline in physical or mental performance within a specified timeframe. Current research lacks definitive biomarkers for diagnosing OTS and its associated states.

Research Methodology

To identify biomarkers associated with OTS, FOR, or NFOR, relevant studies were sourced from PUBMED, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases using specific keywords related to OTS. The selection criteria included:

1. Articles published in English
2. Hormonal profiles correlated with OTS, NFOR, or FOR states, even if not the primary outcome
3. Exclusion of hormone-therapy-biased articles
4. Studies devoid of diseases that could affect hormonal status unrelated to OTS
5. Subject groups accurately diagnosed with OTS, NFOR, or FOR
6. Inclusion of human subjects

These criteria narrowed the search from 835 articles to 38 relevant studies, encompassing various sports such as cycling, triathlons, and weightlifting.

Analysis of Hormonal Responses

The most frequently conducted test, appearing in 24 of the 38 studies, involved assessing resting hormone levels following the induction of an NFOR/FOR state. Among the evaluated studies, 16 reported acute hormonal responses to stimulation tests. Specifically, nine studies measured both baseline and stimulated hormonal effects, while seven focused on hormone responses following functional testing and physical stress training programs.

Findings and Limitations

The review, published in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, highlighted inconclusive evidence to establish a reliable diagnostic framework for OTS. The limitations of the studies included a diverse range of sports, small sample sizes, and a lack of consistent benchmarks for OTS, NFOR, and FOR. Consequently, the data did not provide as comprehensive a review as anticipated. However, it was suggested that baseline hormone levels might not serve as reliable markers for OTS, NFOR, or FOR. In contrast, acute hormonal responses, particularly those involving ACTH, GH, and prolactin, could be promising predictors.

Conclusion and Future Research

Overtraining syndrome is a multifaceted disorder with numerous variables to consider. This review lays the groundwork for future research, which can build on these findings to formulate more robust conclusions regarding OTS and related conditions.

Reference

Cadegiani, F., Kater, C. (2017). Hormonal aspects of overtraining syndrome: a systematic review. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 9(14). Retrieved from https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-017-0079-8