Elite sports may be fit but unhealthy according to UQ researcher

Elite sports may be fit but unhealthy
Elite sports stars may be fit but they may not be as healthy as they'd like, according to a University of Queensland researcher.

Overtraining is a process of excessive training in athletes which may lead to persistent fatigue, reduced performance, alterations in mood state, and frequent illness, especially upper respiratory tract infection, says Associate Professor Dr Laurel MacKinnon, from the Department of Human Movement Studies.

"Athletes are susceptible to upper respiratory tract infection during intense training and after major competition.

"They are not clinically immunodeficient, although endurance athletes are at increased risk of minor illness, such as colds and flu.

"While not life threatening, these illnesses may significantly affect preparation for, or performance in, an important competition."

She said resistance may be lower after intense prolonged exercise. The key to keeping athletes healthy is to scientifically plan training schedules to provide needed rest and recovery between intense training sessions.

Sometimes it's better to train a bit less than more, she said.

On the other hand, moderate exercise may have a role in stimulating the immune system.

This may explain why regular moderate exercise is associated with lower risk of certain cancers, and why people who exercise for fun report they are ill less often than inactive people.

Dr Mackinnon will be present at the launch of the University of Queensland Faculty of Health Sciences Health Week at 11 am on Sunday July 31. The launch will take place in the Department of Human Movement Studies, New Connell Building, which is next to the Sports Pavilion at the St Lucia campus.

Also present will be Olympic softball bronze medallist Kim Cooper, who will be tested for fitness by expert staff of the Department of Human Movement Studies.

FURTHER INFORMATION:Dr Laurel Mackinnon
Phone 07 3365 6379

Issued for the University of Queensland Faculty of Health Sciences Health Week by Marilyn Bitomsky, Impact Promotions & Publications, phone 07 3371 3057 or 0412 884 114.