The LSCT is a reliable tool able to predict and monitor cycling performance improvement or decline associated with training fatigue. Monitoring cumulative fatigue could contribute to detecting the start of functional or non-functional over-reaching (NFOR) and even Over Training Syndrome (OTS). It is generally accepted that NFOR and OTS is associated with a decrement in performance. No single parameter has been identified as a reliable marker of training induced fatigue or correlated with symptoms of over-reaching. (Nederhof , Zwerver & Brink, 2008).
Over-reaching refers to training that involves a brief period of overload, with inadequate recovery that exceeds the athlete’s adaptive capacity. Over-training on the other hand exceeds over-reaching and results in marked physiological maladaptations and chronically reduced exercise performance (Armstrong & Van Heest, 2002). OTS is a multidimensional disease associated with physiological changes (immunological, hormonal and performance) & psychological changes; irritability, increased fatigue, decreased vigor. An individual approach must be applied to training and addressing the possibility of NFOR/OTS, as to maintain the balance between training load and recovery with the purpose of achieving the most optimal training status.
Studies show that over-training is associated with a decrease in sub-maximal and maximal heart rates with the manifestation of fatigue. A change in mean power, with associated changes in RPE can reflect changes in training status in a practical and meaningful way. Also the greater the change in HRR – is associated with deregulated autonomous control of the nervous system. (Urhausen & Kindermann, 2002).
OTS/ NFOR is associated with a decrease in performance and prolonged changes in immune function and a combination of the following-
- Psychological burn-out.
- Impaired or Underperformance weeks/years.
- Perceived lack of training rather than recovery.
The athlete may respond by training harder to compensate for lack of performance and so enters into a negative spiral of harder training which prompts even more over-training. There is a multitude of potential contributing factors- beyond the quantification of training load, hence it is difficult to isolate the direct cause of over-training. This may be due to multiple periods of entering NFOR, work stress and home life, physical overuse injury or weakened immune system. (Nederhof , Zwerver & Brink, 2008).
Organic diseases that may mimic the symptoms of OTS must be excluded first (Urhausen & Kindermann, 2002). These diseases include hypothyroidism, renal failure, major depression, anaemia, nutritional deficiencies, connective tissue diseases, diabetes mellitus, drugs, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, muscular dystrophies, stress, Cushing’s disease and tissue trauma.
The visit for the LSCT test should take no more than 2hrs.