Characteristic Signs of Overtraining Syndrome in Military Personnel: A Scoping Review of Original Studies

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to identify the main thematic areas and tools used in studies addressing signs of Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) in military personnel, and to explore the heterogeneity and applicability of these tools in operational contexts. A comprehensive search was conducted in nine databases, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Original cross-sectional and experimental studies involving military populations were included. Data were categorised into thematic areas based on recurrence and similarity of outcomes and tools. From 2,633 initial records, 138 studies were included. Seventeen major thematic areas were identified, with “Mental Health,” “Fatigue Parameters,” “Physical Capacity,” and “Sleep Disturbances” being the most represented. Several tools were used to assess OTS signs; however, a lack of standardisation, particularly in the military context, was evident. Notably, most studies involved combat-exposed personnel, including active-duty service members deployed in operational environments and veterans with prior combat experience. The findings also revealed substantial conceptual overlap between trauma-related constructs and training-related maladaptation. Despite the growing interest in OTS among military personnel, the lack of standardised, validated tools for early detection remains a limitation. Developing context-specific strategies is essential to enhance monitoring, diagnosis, and prevention of OTS, especially in non-combat settings.