Biochemical, Hormonal and Psychological Monitoring of Eight Weeks Endurance Running Training Program in Female Runners

Athletes improve performance when an optimal balance between training stress and recovery exists. If out of proportion, overtraining syndrome (OTS) can ensue. Currently several biomarkers are used to detect OTS, but none meets all prespecified criteria for definite diagnosis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of eight week endurance running training program on biochemical, hormonal, and psychological parameters in female runners. Seventeen runners were recruited for the physical training that consisted of two three-week progressive overload periods, each followed by a week taper period, and concluded with a 10 or 21km competitive run. Blood sampling was conducted at six time-points during the eight-week training program: Baseline (Baseline), after the first and second three-week training loads (Load1, Load2), after each taper week (Taper1 and Taper2), and post-study (Recovery). At each testing, the subjects were asked to complete the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ). At the completion of the program significant improvement of physical performance was observed (VO2max +4.3%; p=.03). At Recovery the cortisol values significantly decreased compared to Baseline (p=.002) and to Taper2 (p=.008). In RESTQ we found that the recovery subscales sum was significantly lower at the recovery period when compared to the second taper period, and self-efficiency increased at Taper2. We also found significantly higher selfregulation during resting periods when compared to baseline. The main finding of the current study indicates that the performed training was well-balanced between stress and recovery periods, resulting in a positive training effect. It seems that psychological parameters are more sensitive markers than biochemical and hormonal one for the detection of changes in stress/recovery. The RESTQ may provide a practical tool for recognizing OTS in its early stages.