1. What is OTS
OTS is a condition that occurs when an athlete experiences excessive training loads without sufficient recovery, leading to a decline in performance and long-term fatigue. It results from prolonged overtraining and is associated with physiological, psychological, and hormonal disturbances.
2. What are the causes
3. Recovery from OTS
Recovery from OTS involves:
Rest and the reduction of the training load, adjusting training programmes to incorporate more rest periods
Prioritizing sleep (7-9 hours) for recovery
Reduce stress through mindfulness, meditation or simple relaxation
Use periodisation to prevent reccurnce
4. Difference between Overtraining and OTS
Factor | Overtraining | Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) |
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Definition | Temporary decline in performance due to excessive training load. | Chronic condition resulting from prolonged overtraining without recovery. |
Recovery Time | Days to weeks (with proper rest and recovery). | Weeks to months (or longer) due to deeper physiological and psychological effects. |
Symptoms | Fatigue, soreness, minor mood changes. | Severe fatigue, depression, loss of motivation, immune suppression. |
Reversibility | Easily reversible with rest and deloading. | Requires long-term recovery and intervention. |
Hormonal Impact | Minimal or temporary. | Significant hormonal disruptions (e.g., altered cortisol and testosterone levels). |