Pushing body beyond limits gets bad result

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman R. J. BIERMANN
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Pushing the body's physical limits during exercise is a means to muscular improvement; but sometimes the body pushes back - hard. 

In recent worst-case scenarios, two Luke Air Force Base Airmen were hospitalized after their bodies hit the limit resulting in exertional rhabdomyolysis. 

"Rhabdomyolysis is an extreme breakdown of muscle cells that results in the release of muscle fiber contents into the bloodstream," said Christina Crawford, 56th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapist. "In simpler terms, by breaking down the muscles during intense athletic activity you release muscle debris into the bloodstream. When the workout is too intense, the debris becomes toxic and poisons the kidneys." 

Those suffering from "rhabdo" will experience symptoms such as excruciating muscle pain and soreness, weakness or swelling of the affected area, and red or brown urine (not caused by blood). 

Generally most people will experience muscle soreness 24 to 48 hours after a workout, according to Ms. Crawford. If the soreness becomes a severe pain and limits movement, seek medical attention. 

Although Luke's two rhabdo cases affected Airmen who had over-exerted themselves as new CrossFit participants, this condition can be brought on by any high-intensity exercise. 

"CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity," said Capt. John Wilson, 56th Fighter Wing flying executive officer and CrossFit instructor. "For those who get rhabdo from CrossFit, it's because they haven't eased their way into the program by scaling weight, reps, and sets to their athletic capacity until they become acclimated to the new level of exertion." 

Aside from exercise, additional factors can bring on rhabdo. 

"(Exertional rhabdomyolysis) is generally correlated with exhaustion, dehydration, high humidity, high temperatures and long practices," said Greg Glassman, CrossFit founder, in an October 2005 CrossFit Journal article. 

How can rhabdo be avoided? 

Steer clear of shocking muscles with something they're not used to, i.e. gradual introduction, according to Captain Wilson. Regardless of your workout regimen, work first to execute the movements correctly and consistently before increasing your intensity level. 

"There is medical treatment for rhabdo, but prevention is your responsibility," Ms. Crawford said. "(Each person should) always listen to the body and with respect to how (it has) responded to prior workouts. Each day of intense workouts should be followed by different exercises to allow muscle recovery. Water should be consumed throughout the day - ideally half the body weight in ounces. It is recommended to consume a sports beverage during or after an intense workout lasting more than 60 minutes. After the workout, refuel the body with a nourishing meal avoiding alcohol and caffeine." 

A word of warning for the extremely competitive-driven athlete - a painful trip to the emergency room followed by a week-long hospital stay that includes an intravenous fluid flush to dilute the blood of excess toxins and months of muscle recovery could be in your future.