Successful athletic training involves the balance of work, overload and adequate rest. Female teen athletes, however, often feel the emotional pressures and demands placed on appearance and performance, turning to extreme measures like undereating and excessive training in order to enhance performance and improve appearance. Overtraining can lead to a number of poor physical and emotional conditions and long-term dangers. Speak to a coach or health professional if you have concerns about overtraining.
Female Athlete Triad
A female athlete-specific condition caused by overtraining is known as the Female Athlete Triad. A female athlete who feels pressured to maintain a certain physique or body weight may exercise excessively and develop eating disorders to restrict calorie intake. As her overall energy declines, total body fat decreases and production of estrogen is reduced, she may begin to miss periods or stop menstruating altogether -- a condition known as amenorrhea. To further compound the condition, a lack of estrogen and nutrients like calcium can cause a loss in bone density and improper bone formation, increasing the risk of fractures and injuries.
Physiological Changes
According to an article published in the science journal “Immunology and Cell Biology” in May 2003, overtraining impacts the overall performance ability of the female athlete as a result of the physiological changes that occur. Physical work capacity, maximal heart rate, blood lactate levels, muscle strength and muscle glycogen concentration are all factors that are negatively affected by overtraining. High blood lactate levels in the muscles, for example, interrupt the healthy metabolic pathways of the muscles, inducing premature muscle fatigue. Low muscle glycogen inhibits the athlete from successfully performing endurance sports.
Increased Sickness and Injury
Overtraining can lead to a suppression of the immune system, which decreases the athlete's ability to fight off infections and viruses, according to an article from the Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. In addition, female athletes who do not allow their bodies adequate time for rest and recuperation increase their risk of strains, sprains from muscle overuse. Female athletes may also be more prone to accidental injuries from trips and falls that are caused by an increase in muscle fatigue and an overall decrease in physical performance.
Change in Mood
An athlete's success in competition is directly related to the positive mindset of the athlete. In the book “The Active Female: Health Issues Throughout the Lifespan,” author Jacalyn J. Robert-McComb explains that there is a relationship between training stimulus and overtraining, and feelings of tension, depression, anger, fatigue and confusion. Robert-McComb claims the overtraining female athlete frequently suffers from a cycle that involves poor performance, which leads to more-intense training, causing an increased state of depression and frustration. This increased negative outlook leads to an even greater decrease in performance, and eventually results in the athlete's inability to complete workouts and performances.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for overtraining in young athletes is rest and adequate nutrition. Depending on the sport or event, an athlete may need rest for a period of four to 12 weeks, during which time athletes can participate in short intervals of low-intensity aerobic exercises to maintain fitness. Because emotional and psychological factors may be involved, consider speaking with a doctor, therapist, coach or sports nutritionist to get proper care and treatment.
Prevention
Parents, coaches and athletes should know the risks and dangers associated with overtraining in female athletes. Prevention may include early identification and close monitoring of athletes, individualizing training for each athlete, incorporating recovery time and rest days in each training cycle, encouraging balanced, nutritious diets and avoiding too-frequent competitions.
Member Comments