Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Muscle Cramping During A 161-Km Ultramarathon: Comparison Of Characteristics Of Those With And Without Cramping, Martin D. Hoffman, Kristin J. Stuempfle

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: This work sought to identify characteristics differing between those with and without muscle cramping during a 161-km ultramarathon.

Methods: In this observational study, race participants underwent body weight measurements before, during, and after the race; completed a post-race questionnaire about muscle cramping and “near” cramping (controllable, not reaching full-blown cramping), drinking strategies, and use of sodium supplementation during four race segments; and underwent a post-race blood draw for determination of serum sodium and blood creatine kinase (CK) concentrations.

Results: The post-race questionnaire was completed by 280 (74.5 %) of the 376 starters. A post-race blood sample was provided by …

Association Of Gastrointestinal Distress In Ultramarathoners With Race Diet, Kristin J. Stuempfle, Martin D. Hoffman, Tamara Hew-Butler

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Gastrointestinal (GI) distress is common during ultrarunning.

Purpose: To determine if race diet is related to GI distress in a 161-km ultramarathon.

Methods: Fifteen (10 male, 5 female) consenting runners in the Javelina Jundred (6.5 loops on a desert trail) participated. Body mass was measured immediately pre-race and after each loop. Runners reported if they had nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and/or diarrhea after each loop. Subjects were interviewed after each loop to record food, fluid, and electrolyte consumption. Race diets were analyzed using Nutritionist Pro.

Results: Nine (8 male, 1 female) of 15 runners experienced GI distress including nausea …