Exercise Associated Muscle Cramps - A Current Perspective

Abstract

Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMC) are a common condition experienced by recreational and competitive athletes and often require medical attention during or immediately after sports events. Despite the high prevalence of this condition, the etiology of EAMC remains poorly understood, and there is a lack of high levels of evidence to guide the management of this condition. The previous claim as to how EAMC come about is being challenged by more recent evidence suggesting a distinctive mechanism. EAMC has been long attributed to an excessive sweat sodium loss together with dehydration. However, growing evidence suggests that EAMC occurs with sustained and repetitive muscle contraction that results in fatigue. The purpose of this article is to examine the existing scientific evidence in support of various views on the etiology of EAMC and to highlight the most current understanding of this complex condition. Various strategies adopted to treat and prevent EAMC also are discussed even though most of them remain anecdotal and have yet to be substantiated by research experimentation.