Research

Mixed

Functional Overreaching (FOR) is a normal part of training that leads to performance improvement after recovery, whereas Non-Functional Overreaching (NFOR) and Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) involve prolonged maladaptation and performance decrements that take weeks or months to resolve.

Expect temporary performance dips during intense training blocks. This is 'Functional Overreaching' and is necessary for improvement. If the dip lasts weeks or months and is accompanied by mood disturbances or hormonal changes, it may be 'Non-Functional Overreaching' or 'Overtraining Syndrome,' requiring extended rest and medical evaluation.

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This Functional Overreaching (FOR) will eventually lead to an improvement in performance after recovery. When athletes do not sufficiently respect the balance between training and recovery, Non-Functional Overreaching (NFOR) can occur... The athlete will often show the same clinical, hormonal and other signs and symptoms.
Romain Meeusen et al. · European Journal of Sport Science · 2006

Why this rating

Consensus definition provided in the position statement.

Source

Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the Overtraining Syndrome

Romain Meeusen et al. · European Journal of Sport Science · 2006

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