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Recovery Trajectory

Meaning

Recovery Trajectory refers to the measurable, time-dependent course of physiological restoration following a period of physical, emotional, or metabolic stress, such as intense exercise, acute illness, or chronic sleep deprivation. This trajectory is quantitatively assessed by tracking the return of key biomarkers—including heart rate variability, inflammatory cytokines, and stress hormones like cortisol—to their pre-stress baseline. A robust and rapid recovery trajectory is indicative of high allostatic capacity, metabolic flexibility, and a resilient endocrine system. Conversely, a prolonged or incomplete trajectory suggests a state of systemic overload and compromised healthspan.