Overtraining
by Amos Gil'ad
Terms:
"Addisonian" refers to the illness known as "morbus addisonii",
a hypofunctioning of the suprarenal gland
"Basedowian" - Basedowian illness is the German term for Graves'
disease, caused by excessive secretion of the thyroid gland
"BMR" is the Basal Metabolic Rate, i.e., the rate at which the
body utilises energy while at rest.
The following "Textbook Notes" try to summarize the phenomenon of overtraining and place it in the context of Judo training.
1. The object of all training is to increase performance ability. When training is successful, performance ability increases. Not without limit: As you approach the genetically predetermined limits of your potential, the _rate_ of increase goes down. But even long before that, there may be times in which there is no change - so-called plateaux or sticking points. This is natural. There are also times at which performance ability decreases: Planned decreases, for recuperation (for example, during the transition period in a properly periodized annual cycle) or Accidental ones: Because of injury, illness or even stress unrelated to sports (familial, academic, financial are obvious examples). **When specific performance ability decreases without any apparent reason, often while general ability is unimpaired, overtraining may be the culprit**
2. Coaching theory recognises two different kinds of overtraining. Both are the result of an unbalanced autonomic (vegetative) nervous system. When sympathetic processes dominate, this is Basedowian overtraining; when parasympathetic processes are dominant, it is Addisonian overtraining. Basedowian overtraining is relatively easily diagnosed. There are many symptoms indicative of that state (see "3" below). It is relatively easily treated. Addisonian overtraining is insidious. Because of a lack of clinical symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose. Treatment requires at least several weeks, perhaps months.
3. Symptoms of Basedowian overtraining are: Sleep disturbed; lack of appetite; weight loss; excessive perspiration; tendency for headaches; elevated resting HR; elevated BMR; abnormal ventilation during exertion; hypersensitivity to acoustic stimuli; reduced reaction times (but often inappropriate reactions); delayed recuperation; irritability and depression. In Addisonian overtraining sleep, appetite, weight, thermoregulation, headaches, BMR, ventilation, reaction to acoustic stimuli are all unaffected. There is a slight tendency to lower blood pressure, reaction times are sometimes prolonged, mood is normal or tending to phlegmatic. (This list of symptoms, and the definition of Basedowian and Addisonian overtraining is basically taken from the work of Prof. S. Israel of the former DDR. The references contained in Gerald Lafon's contribution http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/coachsci/vol43/table.htm all deal with addisonian overtraining).
4. Basedowian overtraining is usually encountered in power sports; addisonian overtraining - in endurance sports. Basically both result from excessive efforts - excessive when related to individual ability, time devoted to recuperation and/or basic training. Specifically, Basedowian overtraining may result when high intensities are employed in training without a previous thorough general, basic training. Addisonian overtraining is typically the result of high training volume coupled with a monotonous style of training.
5. Treatment of Basedowian overtraining: 1 - 2 weeks of: Sharp reduction of training, change of style of training, massage and much sleep. On resumption of regular training, raise intensity very gradually. Begin with thorough basic endurance training and general (non-specific) strength-endurance training. Treatment of Addisonian overtraining: Psychological support - rebuilding of self-confidence; avoidance of monotonous training. Emphasising recuperative means. Replan the whole season, beginning with a sufficient preparatory period. 6. Relevance to Judo: One may expect more occurrences of Basedowian than of Addisonian overtraining. Competitors with high ambitions should be sure to devote sufficient time to general physical preparation (which is often neglected, "because it has little relevance to immediate needs"). While Addisonian overtraining is rarely encountered in Judo, when it is, it may destroy a whole season if not a whole career: therefore, avoid monotonous training, and when considering raising training load, emphasize intensity more than volume.
References
1. Israel, S.: Zur Problematik des Uebertrainings aus internistischer und leistungsphysiologischer Sicht. Medizin und Sport (1), pp. 1-12 (1976).
2. Martin, D. et al. (eds.)(1991): Handbuch Trainingslehre pp. 275-280 (Schorndorf: Verlag Hofmann)
Ref (1) is the seminal work, today available only in libraries; ref (2) is a typical modern summary of (1) and easily obtainable