Abstract

The effect of 3 weeks of heavily increased training volume on performance, specific hormonal and metabolic indices, and recovery-stress state perceived by the highly trained male rowers (n=12) was investigated. The training regimen during the 3 week period consisted of 45% of high-volume low-intensity strength training aimed for the improvement of strength-endurance, 45% of extensive endurance training (running, swimming and/or ergometer rowing) aimed for the improvement of basic endurance and 10% of ball games (basketball and/or soccer); 2000 m rowing ergometer (Concept II, Morrisville, USA) performance time was only slightly increased from 384.5±12.5 to 384.9±13.7 s as a result of heavy training period. Similarly, resting cortisol and creatine kinase activity values were not significantly changed as a result of heavy training period. The Recovery-Stress-Questionnaire for Athletes revealed that the recovery-stress state of rowers changed during the heavy training period. A significant increase in Fatigue scores from stress-related scales was found. Relationships were also found between changes in training volume and changes in Fatigue (r=0.66) from stress-related and changes on General Well-being (r=-0.62) from recovery-related scales. Changes in resting cortisol levels as a result of heavy training stress were related to Fatigue (r=-0.67) and Emotional Exhaustion (r=-0.60) from stress-related scales and Success (r=0.68) from recovery-related scales. Changes in creatine kinase activity after heavy training period were related to changes in the following recovery scales of the questionnaire: Success (r=-0.59), Somatic Relaxation (r=-0.60) and General Well-being (r=-0.71). In conclusion, the monitoring of training adaptation appears to be a very complex task. The results of present study demonstrated that while specific performance and blood biochemical markers of training stress were only slightly changed, RESTQ-Sport questionnaire was more sensitive to the acute changes in training stress. The RESTQ-Sport for athletes could be used to monitor heavy training stress in highly trained rowers. Verf.-Referat