Does overtraining occur in triathletes?

Journal Title: Biology of Sport - Year 2003, Vol 20, Issue 2

Abstract

1. Objective: Long distance triathlon training is characterized by considerably high volume training loads. This volume can provoke an overtraining state. The aim of the study was to determine whether overtraining occurs in well-trained male triathletes in relation with their volume training loads. 2. Experimental design: A questionnaire investigation was completed two days before the Nice long-distance triathlon (October 1995: 4-km swim, 120-km bike ride and 30-km run). 3. Participants: Ninety-three well-trained male triathletes who took part in the triathlon race. 4. Measures: A questionnaire to relate clinical symptoms, which are known to appear in case of overtraining, was collected. 5. Results: 39.8% of the questioned triathletes reported a decrease in triathlon performances within the last month preceding the race. Moreover, these triathletes exhibited significantly more overtraining-relied symptoms than the others (5.9±3.8 vs 3.4±2.6, P<0.05). Surprisingly, the occurrence of overtraining in triathletes appears not to depend on the volume training loads. 6. Conclusions: These results suggest that overtraining has to be considered in the case of triathletes. This preliminary study evidences the need for further investigation in order to monitor triathletes training respond and prevent overtraining.

Authors and Affiliations

S Palazzetti, I Margaritis

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP58860
  • DOI -
  • Views 131
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How To Cite

S Palazzetti, I Margaritis (2003). Does overtraining occur in triathletes?. Biology of Sport, 20(2), 139-146. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-58860