What is referred to as an accumulation of training and non-training stress resulting in short-term performance decrement?

The term that describes an accumulation of training and non-training stress leading to a temporary decrease in performance is overreaching. This concept is crucial in understanding the balance between stress, recovery, and performance in athletes.

Overreaching represents a phase where athletes may not significantly train beyond their capacity but experience a slight drop in performance due to the combined effects of stress factors. This drop is often temporary, and with adequate recovery, athletes can return to or even surpass their previous performance levels. It serves as a reminder for coaches and trainers to carefully monitor athletes' workloads and stressors to ensure they remain within a range that promotes recovery and adaptation.

In contrast, fatigue refers to an immediate state of tiredness that can be resolved with rest. Overtraining, on the other hand, is a more severe condition that occurs when there is an excessive load or stress over a prolonged period without sufficient recovery, resulting in longer-lasting performance decrements and potential negative health effects. Adaptation, while related to the process of adjusting to increased training demands, does not specifically address the short-term decrease in performance associated with accumulated stress.