What Are the Markers of Anaerobic Overtraining?

Although the knowledge of central pathological mechanisms of OTS has increased significantly, there
remains a strong demand for relevant tools for the early identification of OTS. Until a definitive evaluative
tool is developed, coaches and athletes need to use performance decrements as verification that
overtraining is evident.

The following criteria may be considered:

1. Is the athlete experiencing any of the following symptoms?
• Unexplained underperformance
• Persistent fatigue
• Increased sense of effort during training
• Disordered sleep patterns
• Loss of appetite

2. Are the athlete’s scores in maximal exercise tests, sport-specific performance tests, or vital signs
assessments (heart rate, blood pressure) poorer than on previous tests or what would be considered
normal or baseline?

3. Are there errors in the design of the athlete’s training program?

• Training volume increased significantly (<5%)
• Training intensity increased significantly
• Training monotony present
• High number or frequency of competitions

4. Are there other confounding factors?

• Psychological signs and symptoms (disturbed Profile of Mood States [POMS], higher than normal
rating of perceived exertion [RPE])
• Social factors (family, relationships, finances, work, coach, team)
• Recent or multiple time zone travel

5. Does the athlete have any common exclusion criteria?

• Confounding illnesses
• Anemia
• Infectious diseases
• Muscle damage (high creatine kinase levels)
• Endocrine disorders (diabetes, catecholamines, adrenal, thyroid)
• Major eating disorders
• Biological abnormalities (C-reactive protein, creatinine, decreased ferritin)
• Musculoskeletal injury
• Cardiologic symptoms
• Adult-onset asthma
• Allergies

It should be noted that no single marker can be taken as an indicator of impending OTS. A plethora of
research
(140, 185, 194) suggests that OTS is multifactorial in its nature and that regular monitoring of a
combination
of performance, physiological, biochemical, immunological, and psychological variables should be
considered.