Lecture 12: Burnout & overtraining

Question 1

Definitions

Answer 1

• Overload = a training bout at a volume or intesity sufficient to disrupt physiological homeostasis
• Overtraining = a cycle of training in which athlete is consistently overloaded
• Overreach = a short-term negative state resulting from imbalance between total stress & total recovery, determined by individual capacity
• Staleness = a long-term more severe negative state resulting from imbalance between stress & recovery, determined by individual capacity

Question 2

The overtraining process

Answer 2

Overload -> overtrain -> overreach -> positive overtraining (supercompensation) or maintenance (no change in performance) or negative overtraining (impaired performance, staleness, burnout)

Question 3

Burnout

Answer 3

• Physical, emotional and social withdrawal from a formerly enjoyable activity
• Withdrawal characterised by emotional + physical exhauastion, reduced sense of accomplishment, sport devaluation

Question 4

Factors influencing burnout development

Answer 4

1) Physical concerns = injury, fatigue
2) Logistical concerns = travel/time demands
3) Interpersonal concerns = lack of social life
4) Psychological concerns = lack of motivation

Question 5

Two strains of burnout

Answer 5

• Social-psychological

- Physically driven

Question 6

Models of burnout

Answer 6

1) Cognitive-affective stress model
2) Negative training stress response model
3) Unidimensional identity development and external control model
4) Commitment & entrapment theory
5) Self-determination theory

Question 7

Measurement of burnout

Answer 7

Athletes burnout questionnaire

Question 8

Reducing burnout: antecedents

Answer 8

• Excessive training = ensure training load is appropriate
  = monitor athletes individually
  = be aware of early warning signs that load is too high
• High stress = work to develop stress management skills for areas outside of sport
  = do not increase physical training stress when other stressors are high
• Lack of recovery = ensure recovery after period of high training
  = encourage recovery congruent with source of stress
  = education about importance of recovery & necessity in programme

Question 9

Reducing burnout: entrapment

Answer 9

• Unidimensional identity = encourage athletes to develop other areas of their lives
  = reinforce that multiple roles can be held simultaneously
• Social constraints = encourage relationships in & out of sport
  = ensure that others are source of support, not pressure
• No alternative = encourage exploration of other activities
  = reflect on positive reasons they are involves in sport

Question 10

Reducing burnout: personality and env.

Answer 10

• Needs support = allow choice in training where possible
  = provide rationale for training + competition decisions
  = set short-term goals to get feedback + sense of accomplishment
• Perfectionism = reinforce that ups and downs are part of process
• Social supprot = encourage positive relationships between athletes + coach
  = provide opportunities for team building
  = encourage social engagement outside of sport

Question 11

Burnout in coaches

Answer 11

• Demanding jobs and not enough time to switch off
• Sources = pressure to win, admin requirements, travel commitments, personal involvement, holding multiple roles
• Factors = gender, age, coaching styles, feelings of entrapment