Overtraining Syndrome: Peculiarities and Perspectives of Diagnostics

Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is a condition associated with prolonged dysfunctional adaptation to physical exercise and a long-term imbalance between training and recovery that results in decreased sports performance lasting from several weeks to months with serious consequences for the health of athletes. The problem of diagnosis and prevention of OTS remains relevant, as the diagnosis is often made retrospectively. Currently, no clear reliable biochemical or functional markers for early detection of OTS are described, and the features of pathogenesis of this syndrome remain unclear. The present overview describes the basic theories of OTS development, the main biomarkers and their diagnostic significance, as well as some novel parameters and methods that may be possibly perspective for early detection of OTS.