title: Changes in stress and recovery after heavy training in rowers.
abstract: In this study, the effect of rapidly increased training volume on performance, recovery-stress state and stress hormones over a six-day training camp were investigated in competitive male rowers (n=21). The training regimen consisted mainly of low-intensity on-water rowing and resistance training, in total 19.6+/-3.8 hrs, corresponding to approximately 100% increase in training load. Two thousand metre rowing ergometer performance time worsened by the end of a heavy training period. The resting blood testosterone decreased and cortisol remained unchanged. The Recovery-Stress-Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport) revealed an increase in somatic components of stress (Fatigue, Somatic Complaints, Fitness/Injury) and a decrease in recovery factors (Success, Social Relaxation, Sleep Quality, Being in Shape, Self-Efficacy). Relationships were observed between training volume, and Fatigue (r=0.49), Somatic Complaints (r=0.50) and Sleep Quality (r=-0.58) at the end of heavy training. In addition, relationships were also observed between cortisol and Fatigue (r=0.48) at the end of heavy training as well as between changes in cortisol and changes in Fatigue (r=0.57) and Social Stress (r=0.51). In conclusion, changes in specific stress and recovery scales of the RESTQ-Sport for athletes and changes in stress hormone values indicated a state of heavy training stress and incomplete recovery at the end of a six-day heavy training period.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sport Pedagogy and Coaching Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jürimäe
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mäestu
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Purge
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jürimäe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016552:Ergometry; D005221:Fatigue / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012146:Rest / Q000502:physiology; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone; D006854:Hydrocortisone