Uusitalo, A. L., Valkonen-Horhonen, M., Koskelo, J, Lansimies, E., & Vanninen, E. (2003). Depression in overtrained athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 207.

Severely overtrained athletes (M = 5; F = 7) and normal control athletes (M = 3; F = 6) were studied. Depression was assessed using two standardized scales. Heart rate variability was measured over 24 hours.

One depression scale indicated nine Ss were depressed, while the other located seven Ss. No controls were depressed. Significant group differences on both scales were found. Heart rate variability was related to depression in a non-linear manner.

Implication. Depression is a characteristic of overtraining.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.