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Adaptive Response Limitation

Meaning

This clinical term refers to the physiological state where an organism’s capacity to mount a beneficial, homeostatic adjustment to a chronic stressor becomes exhausted or severely diminished. It signifies a plateau or decline in the body’s adaptive potential, often observed in the context of persistent metabolic or psychological load. The limitation prevents the system from effectively upregulating or downregulating hormonal axes, leading to suboptimal function and potentially predisposing the individual to pathology. Clinically, recognizing this state is crucial for preventing progression to overt overtraining syndrome or adrenal dysfunction.