Overtraining, Inadequate Recovery, and Reinjury Risk
Chronic excessive training combined with insufficient recovery can exceed the adaptive capacity of musculoskeletal tissues, leading to persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and repeated microtrauma. This disrupts normal muscle adaptation and tissue repair, increasing the risk of delayed healing, chronic pain, and long-term musculoskeletal pathology [Brenner & Watson, 2024; Cheng et al., 2020; Smith, 1997].
When tissue loading consistently surpasses recovery capacity, micro-tears accumulate, and scar tissue may form, while incomplete remodeling reduces tolerance to subsequent loads. These structural changes compromise strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular efficiency, increasing vulnerability to reinjury [Croisier, 2004; Thornton, 2012; Hildebrand, 1998].
Overtraining also affects movement patterns and neuromuscular control. Athletes may experience impaired motor control, neuromuscular inhibition, and altered proprioception, further raising the risk of injury during high-demand or repetitive activities [Sayyadi et al., 2024; Moiroux Sahraoui et al., 2025; Laskowski, 2000]. Strength imbalances, persistent weakness, and reduced range of motion can continue post-injury if not addressed with targeted rehabilitation and proper load management [Croisier, 2004; Kibler et al., 1992].
Monitoring training loads, allowing sufficient recovery, and correcting biomechanical and neuromuscular deficits are essential strategies to prevent reinjury and ensure safe return to sport [Brenner & Watson, 2024].
References:
Brenner, J.S. & Watson, A., 2024. Overuse injuries, overtraining, and burnout in young athletes. Pediatrics, 153(2), p.e2023065129. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-065129
Cheng, A.J., Jude, B. & Lanner, J.T., 2020. Intramuscular mechanisms of overtraining. Redox Biology, 35, p.101480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2020.101480
Croisier, J.L., 2004. Factors associated with recurrent hamstring injuries. Sports Medicine, 34(10), pp.681–695. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200434100-00005
Hildebrand, K.A. & Frank, C.B., 1998. Scar formation and ligament healing. Canadian Journal of Surgery, 41(6), pp.425–429.
Kibler, W.B., Chandler, T.J. & Stracener, E.S., 1992. Musculoskeletal adaptations and injuries due to overtraining. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 20, pp.99–126.
Laskowski, E.R., Newcomer-Aney, K. & Smith, J., 2000. Proprioception. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 11(2), pp.323–340.
Moiroux Sahraoui, A., Mazeas, J., Gold, M. et al., 2025. Neuromuscular control deficits after ACL reconstruction. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 10(1), p.98. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010098
Sayyadi, P., Minoonejad, H., Seidi, F. et al., 2024. Effect of fatigue on repositioning sense of lower extremities: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 16(1), p.35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00820-w
Smith, L.L., 2004. Tissue trauma: the underlying cause of overtraining syndrome? Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 18(1), pp.185–193. https://doi.org/10.1519/1533-4287(2004)018<0185:tttuco>2.0.co;2
Thornton, G.M. & Bailey, S.J., 2012. Repetitive loading damages healing ligaments more than sustained loading. Journal of Biomechanics, 45(15), pp.2589–2594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.08.013