Beneficial Performance Effects of Training Load Intensification Can Be Abolished by Functional Overreaching: Lessons From a Water Polo Study in Female Athletes

Author(s)

Brisola, Gabriel M. P. ; Dutra, Yago M. ; Murias, Juan M. ; Zagatto, Alessandro M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH; v. 37, n. 6, p. 12-pg., 2023-06-01.

Abstract

Brisola, GMP, Dutra, YM, Murias, JM, and Zagatto, AM. Beneficial performance effects of training load intensification can be abolished by functional overreaching: Lessons from a water polo study in female athletes. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): e391-e402, 2023-The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes from 2 weeks of training load intensification strategy in female water polo players diagnosed with functional overreaching (F-OR) with no F-OR players (acute fatigue) on the performance outcomes and hormonal, immunological, and cardiac autonomic nervous system responses. Twenty-two female water polo players were allocated into control and intensification group during 7 weeks. The swimming performance, biochemical parameters, heart rate variability, profile of mood states, and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms were assessed twice before and twice after 2 weeks of intensification period. F-OR showed a worsening in total time of the repeated sprint ability (RSA) test compared with the control group and the acute fatigue group after intensification (p <= 0.035). Furthermore, after the tapering period, the F-OR group maintained worse total time of the RSA test than the acute fatigue group (p = 0.029). In addition, the acute fatigue group showed improvement in total time of the RSA test after intensification compared with the control group (p < 0.001). No significant interactions were found for the other parameters. Therefore, periods of intensification without the F-OR development can promote higher gains in the total time of the RSA test after intensification and tapering period. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/03660-2 - Is the development of functional overreaching an efficient strategy to improve swim performance in water polo after the tapering period?
• Grantee: Gabriel Motta Pinheiro Brisola
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate