Physiological Profiles of Overtrained and Stale Athletes: A Review

Recently, it has become apparent that many athletes are exposed to very high volumes of intense training. Sometimes, rather than adapting normally to the training stimulus (i.e., improving in performance), the athlete experiences a reduction in his or her performance capacity. This occurrence has been termed overtraining or a state of staleness. The intent of this review is to characterize the physiological changes found in athletes exposed to overtraining or exhibiting a state of staleness. Changes and responses in five general physiological systems are discussed 1) neuromuscular, 2) cardiovascular, 3) metabolic-endocrine, 4) immunological, kind 5) kinanthropometric. Perturbations within each of the major physiological systems associated with physical performance have been reported. Inconsistencies, however, exist in the degree and nature of the physiological changes. The present treatment for staleness consists of rest, and in some cases, complete abstention from training and sporting activities may be necessary. Many athletes find such treatment practices extremely undesirable. Unfortunately, until more extensive research examining the physiological changes and responses of the overtrained/stale athlete is conducted, few other recourses appear to exist.