Overtraining and Athlete’s Susceptibility to Infection

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Overtraining and Athlete’s Susceptibility to Infection

Recent studies and other evidence posit that while moderate exercise is helpful to the immune system, the demanding training programs for top athletes tend to suppress the immune system hence boosting their susceptibility to infections. Overtraining is one of the factors that increase athlete susceptibility to infection. Overtraining is a process involving excessive exercise training among high-performance athletes that causes the overtraining syndrome. The overtraining syndrome is characterized by persistent fatigue, poor performance in competition, inability to maintain training loads, frequent illness, catecholamine excretion, alterations in mood state and disturbed sleep. While clinically, high-performance athletes are not clinically immune, evidence exists pointing that numerous immune parameters get suppressed when prolonged intense exercise takes place. This essay discusses overtraining as a factor that boosts an athlete’s susceptibility to infection. The text also mentions what we can do to aid athlete recovery and prevention.

Overtraining in athletes negatively influences the immune system and places them at risk of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs). Sinusitis, the common cold, and tonsillitis are some of the most common URTIs. At some point in their lives, everyone suffers from colds. However, recent studies show that physical activity increases their risk of respiratory infections like colds. Overtraining will place their immune function at risk. Compared to an inactive lifestyle, moderate regular exercise reduces the susceptibility to illnesses. However, long periods of intensified and hard bouts of exercise tend to place athletes at risk of flu and colds.

Most upper respiratory tract infections are a result of an infection from a virus. Research shows that the average adult suffers two to four URTIs every year and young children have twice as much (Guimarães, Terra, & Dutra, 2017). Human beings are constantly exposed to viruses which cause infections, but some individuals are more exposed to catching infections than other people. Every day, the immune system shield individuals from an army of pathogenic microbes which attack the body. The individual’s genetic make-up and other external factors such as lack of sleep, stress, poor nutrition, the normal ageing process, overtraining and lack of exercise influence the immune function. These factors tend to suppress the immune system making athletes vulnerable to infection. Researchers found a link between excessive amounts of exercise and a heightened risk of URTIs. They also found a link between moderate exercise and reduced URTIs. A study conducted on more than 500 adults found that 1-2 hours of daily moderate exercise was linked with a third of reduced risk of contracting a URTI when compared to people that have an inactive lifestyle (Meeusen, & De Pauw, 2021). Additional research shows that individuals who work out two or more days a week record half as many off days from work or school as those who do not exercise. Numerous top athletes have suffered from infections that are unusual which are linked with immune abnormalities and immune deficiency. Research from various studies from exercise laboratories indicates that temporary immune depression follows after a single exhausting exercise session which is indicated by changes in the functional capacities and numbers of lymphocytes. The changes can last several hours and are visible in untrained individuals and athletes.

It is important to support athletes in their training to ensure their body remains fit for competitions. One of the tips that can aid overtraining prevention includes avoiding monogamous training activities. Integrating appropriate rest periods can also go a long way in preventing respiratory infections. Additionally, athletes should be advised not to increase training, including doubling workout intensities and time. Gradual increases are better as they give the boy a chance to train properly, adjust, and recover. Moving forward, athletes should avoid overtraining as its negative effects are hazardous.

References

Guimarães, T. T., Terra, R., & Dutra, P. M. L. (2017). Chronic effects of exhausting exercise and overtraining on the immune response: Th1 and Th2 profile. Motricidade, 13(3), 69-78.

Meeusen, R., & De Pauw, K. (2021). Overtraining–what do we know? In Recovery and Well-being in Sport and Exercise (pp. 51-62). Routledge.