Unexplained Underperformance Syndrome
The unexplained underperformance syndrome, UUPS or UPS, previously known as overtraining syndrome (OTS) is redefined as the slowdown in athletic performance despite a relative rest of two weeks (R. Budgett et al.). Underperformance Syndrome is differentiated from chronic fatigue syndrome in that in the latter the symptoms are severe and may last up to six months.
Why Underperformance Syndrome?
Athletic training involves the delicate mixing of overtraining and recovery. Overtraining may result in a decrement in performance level. But followed by recovery time, it can boost the performance levels. If overtraining is not followed by enough recovery periods, this can result in a non-functional overreaching in the place of the functional overreaching that is normal to overtraining. This may result in a prolonged decline in performance and leads to unexplained underperformance syndrome.
Risk Factors for Unexplained Underperformance Syndrome
Endurance athletes undergoing high intensity training without sufficient periods of rest are most vulnerable to underperformance syndrome. It has been shown by sports scientists that high intensity training alone is not responsible for underperformance syndrome if periodisation is introduced leaving room for rest and recovery.
Causes of Unexplained Underperformance Syndrome
Common causes of unexplained underperformance syndrome are the following:
- Overtraining followed by inadequate rest
- Life style of the athlete
- Stress and anxiety caused by fluctuations in personal life or expectations in sports
- Depression symptomatic of and accelerating underperformance.
- Symptoms of Underperformance Syndrome
- Symptoms of underperformance syndrome include the following:
- Heavy , stiff and sore muscles
- Sleeping disorders
- Loss of appetite
- Loss energy as a result of depleted glycogen stores
- Persistent fatigue
- Emotional disturbances
- Decreased performance
- Elevation of heart rate during a high intensity training
- Elevated heart rate at resting time
- Loss of libido
- Inability to switch between different paces while competing
- Frequent infections.
Diagnosis of Unexplained Underperformance Syndrome
There is no clinically accepted, objective diagnostic method for UUPS. Increased stress hormone levels, immature red blood cell counts, increased cortisol to testosterone ratios and increased production of cytokine are supposed to be indications of UUPS in athletes. Monitoring of heart rate variability (HRV) is also followed in the diagnosis. Recent research takes into account the psychological condition of the athletes also. Some researchers like Amanda Owens have opined that athletes suffering from unexplained underperformance syndrome often behave like clinically depressed patients. Hormonal fluctuations, stress and nonfunctional immune system are also considered potent factors accelerating UUPS.
How to Overcome Unexplained Underperformance Syndrome?
Coping with and overcoming unexplained underperformance syndrome involves combined effort of the physician, physiologist, psychologist, nutritionist, coach and the athlete. There is no universally accepted cure for unexplained underperformance symptom. However the following strategies are considered useful for dealing with UUPS:
- Maintaining a well chartered training schedule with sufficient recovery time
- Periodisation of training sessions
- Avoiding monotonous high volume training
- Cross training allowing variation
- Incorporating short periods of maximum efforts
- Proper attention to injuries
- Following a healthy diet to boost immune system
- Intake of carbohydrates
- Practicing meditation or yoga to cope with stress
- Spending enough time for entertainments.