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Utrecht vet school researchers help unravel mysteries of overtraining syndrome
The prevalence of human and equine stress-related illnesses, such as overtraining syndrome, is increasing. Until now, no diagnostic test has been available to determine overtraining syndrome with certainty.
Researchers, from the Utrecht vet school in The Netherlands, have succeeded in diagnosing equine overtraining syndrome by measuring nocturnal growth hormone secretion. The results of their study offer the prospect for an improved treatment method for comparable stress-related syndromes in humans, such as burnout.
Overtraining syndrome entails reduced performance despite the same - or an increased - level of training. The secretion of nocturnal growth hormone, which plays a role in both growth and stress, is one indicator for overtraining syndrome.
The researchers were able to diagnose overtraining syndrome by measuring the amount of hormone present in the horse's blood. The focus can now be placed on determining effective prevention and treatment methods.
Not one single symptom from the 200 described for overtraining syndrome in human athletes has yet been determined to be specific to the disease's clinical picture. As a result, it is still difficult to diagnose the condition with certainty at an early stage.
For humans, a Profile of Mood State (POMS) assessment tool is used to diagnose overtraining syndrome. This measures changes in behaviour and mental state, which so far appear to be the most reliable indicators.
Further study should reveal whether measuring nocturnal growth hormone secretion, as is done with horses, can also be applied to humans to diagnose stress-related illnesses, including overtraining syndrome and burnout.
Published: 19 Aug 2009
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Tags: Equine, Small animal
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