This work aimed at describing clinical and laboratory characteristics of the overtraining syndrome in its chronic form (staleness). Summary of facts We present six cases of chronic overtraining syndrome that have undergone an in-depth survey. Response to the standardized questionnaire for overtraining of the SFMS appears remarkably monomorphic. Patients often exhibit low IGFBP-3 and lower maximal heart rate at exercise, as well as low value of the constant ?2 of postexercice lactate decrease and a lowered ability to oxidize fat during exercise. Conclusion Clinical and biological presentation of the overtraining syndrome is highly variable, but the SFMS questionnaire is actually the most relevant approach. Decreases in IGFBP-3 and maximal heart rate are found in agreement with previous literature. A lowered ?2 constant and a "glucodependance" at exercise calorimetry may represent new interesting markers.
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