Too much training can cause long-term inflammation, which may weaken bones by speeding up the breakdown of bone tissue, increasing the risk of stress fractures.
Evidence from Studies
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Synthesize evidence on inflammatory marker levels in OTS and their correlation with bone turnover markers.
A systematic review of studies measuring IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, and bone resorption markers (e.g., CTX) in athletes with OTS vs controls, assessing strength and consistency of association.
Determine whether elevated inflammation precedes OTS and bone injury onset.
A 18-month prospective cohort of 400 endurance athletes, with quarterly blood tests for inflammatory and bone turnover markers, tracking development of OTS and stress fractures via clinical and imaging criteria.
Test whether anti-inflammatory interventions reduce OTS or bone injury risk.
A double-blind RCT of 150 high-mileage runners randomized to low-dose NSAID vs placebo for 6 months, measuring incidence of OTS, stress fractures, and inflammatory/bone markers.
Propose theoretical mechanisms linking inflammation to OTS and bone injury.
A narrative review integrating immunology, exercise physiology, and bone biology literature to explain how chronic inflammation may mediate overtraining-related bone damage.