Överträningssymtom

överträningssymtom refers to a collection of symptoms that can arise from excessive or prolonged physical exertion without adequate rest and recovery. It is a state where the body's stress response system is chronically activated, leading to a decline in performance and various physical and psychological disturbances.

Common physical symptoms include persistent fatigue, muscle soreness that doesn't resolve, increased heart rate at rest, sleep disturbances such as insomnia or restless sleep, and a weakened immune system leading to more frequent illnesses. Athletes may also experience a loss of appetite, weight loss, and changes in menstrual cycles for women.

Psychologically, overtraining can manifest as irritability, mood swings, decreased motivation for training, feelings of depression, and difficulty concentrating. A general sense of being unwell or "run down" is also frequently reported.

The development of överträningssymtom is not solely dependent on the volume of training but also on factors like intensity, frequency, duration of training sessions, nutritional intake, sleep quality, and stress levels outside of training. It is important to distinguish between normal training fatigue and the persistent, debilitating symptoms of overtraining.

Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive assessment of the athlete's training load, recovery practices, and symptom presentation. Treatment focuses on reducing training load, prioritizing rest and recovery, ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration, and addressing any underlying psychological factors. Gradual reintroduction of training is crucial to prevent relapse.