Posted by Kris (66.185.84.68) on November 07, 2003 at 05:11:37:
In Reply to: Re: overtraining testing posted by Cris on November 06, 2003 at 07:08:57:
Not to belittle the point but a brief reading of the omega wave system link indicates that it measures patterns of heart rate and brain waves. It is interesting that you support this system (or at least give it enough credit to list here) but you don't think the brain has anything to do with overtraining. This seems an apparent contradiction?
Just to clarify I think overtraining is physical, that mental signs do exist, that you may be able to measure brain ("omega") waves as a means of determining that rest is needed, I know that overtraining is serious and a season very well could be ruined but also think that knowing you are overtrained is not nearly as good as knowing that if you continue on the path you are on you will be and need a rest now so that you are not going to be overtrained next month. I guess I am more interested preventing it than diagnosing it.
Also do you know what heart measurements the Omega system makes. I am aware of only r-r interval computations or as I described orthostatic tests that challenge the body to react to changes in gravity (causing increased heart rate as a way of maintaining blood pressure over the short term etc.) there but there may be others.
Although I don't doubt the protocol described by Jeurg has merit. I think the expectation with the test I described earlier is to do it on a daily basis (as indicated by all) but also to measure the curve the heart rate produces. ie. the intitial increase (the rate of increase and the amount) the rate of decrease, the rate at point of supercompensation to a lower than standing baseline and than the standing baseline value. All these aspects when comapared daily can show changes which may give indications. Maybe not accuratly enough to indicate if one is just over the endge where a day off might be best.