Muscle Cramping in Ultra-Trail: Dehydration and Electrolyte Depletion versus Muscle Damage
Martinez-Navarro I, Vicente-Mampel J, López-Grueso R, Collado-Boira E, Recacha-Ponce P, Gómez-Seré T, et al.
Published in J Strength Cond Res, Vol. 40 (8), pp. e894-e900
Methodology
Observational study of 58 finishers of an ultra-trail race over two editions, with blood, urine and body mass before and after; 9 cramped.
Key Findings
Body mass change, urine specific gravity and serum sodium did not differ; post-race potassium was higher in crampers (5.04 vs 4.66 mmol/L). Muscle damage markers were higher in crampers, and fewer crampers did regular lower-limb strength training (55.6% vs 87.5%).
Conclusions
Ultra-trail cramps were linked to muscle damage, not dehydration or sodium depletion.
Limitations
Only 9 crampers; observational; training data self-reported.
Supplements Studied
did not exhibit a greater degree of postrace dehydration and sodium depletion
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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