At the other end of the training spectrum is the effect of excessive training intensity; that is, using too heavy a resistance for extended periods of time. This scenario seems to present a physiologically different profile than high volume overtraining. The limited data available indicate that the testosterone/cortisol ratio is not altered with this type of overtraining, even when strength performance is dramatically impaired. Exercise-induced concentrations of catecholamines, on the other hand, are markedly elevated with this type of overtraining. This suggests a sympathetic overtraining syndrome where increases in sympathetic activity in the nervous system may be an attempt to compensate for decreases in muscle strength capabilities.
It is believed that most real-life overtraining scenarios are due to a combination of excessive volume and intensity. Furthermore, many exercise programs include not only resistance exercise, but also some form of exercise for cardiovascular fitness. Such a combination presents a very complex setting from a physiological standpoint. The few data available on this type of training suggest that both the resistance exercise and the cardiovascular exercise components may have to be modified somewhat to allow the individual to tolerate such combination training.
Performance decrements may also occur through pathological mechanisms such as joint overuse. When this occurs, strength and power decrements may be due to afferent inhibition from the affected joints rather than due to decreases in muscular capabilities.
Perhaps the most intriguing area of research is the evaluation of psychological states accompanying overtraining. Although most data on the psychology of overtraining are from other types of exercise, it appears that a decreased desire to train often occurs with resistance exercise overtraining. Furthermore, measures of self-efficacy (confidence in performance) appear to be adversely affected with some forms of resistance exercise overtraining.
Page Three: Overtraining with Weights - Signs and Symptoms.
Reprinted with permission of the American College of Sports Medicine, "Overtraining with Resistance Exercise," www.acsm.org.
