The Science of Cramp
It's time to pour yourself some pickle juice and suck on a salt tab (or is it?) as we talk exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs) - one of the most complex, and common, afflictions facing athletes. Difficult to research and predict, the causes of EAMC's can be varied depending on the individual, as are the solutions to fix them. In this episode, Prof. Ross Tucker and Mike Finch break down the most common theories around causes and then discuss the best long-term, medium-term and immediate solutions (yes, there are some!) to preventing this painful condition.
Discourse
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SHOW NOTES
The cramping thread on Discourse - members only
Study showing how pickle juice works fast in low doses, via a neural reflex
Ron Maughan paper on muscle cramps, contrasting the hydration model with the neural theory
People who cramp have similar sodium and other electrolyte levels to those who don’t cramp
If you drink more, your sodium levels drop, even if you drink an electrolyte containing drink
A paper that compares the two leading hypotheses for cramps:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Real Science of Sport Podcast
World-renowned sports scientist Professor Ross Tucker and veteran sports journalist Mike Finch break down the myths, practices and controversies from the world of sport. From athletics to rugby, soccer, cycling and more, the two delve into the most recent research, unearth lessons from the pros and host exclusive interviews with some of the world's leading sporting experts. For those who love sport.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- No. of episodes: 251
- Latest episode: 2025-07-31
- Sports
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