Researchers are warning that a potentially fatal kidney condition, that has been linked to Crossfit, is on the rise.
Called rhabdomyolysis, the condition causes muscles to break down or leak, releasing a protein, myoglobin, into the bloodstream. This, in extreme cases can lead to kidney failure and even death.
Rhabdomyolysis has traditionally been caused by physical trauma. However, since 2005, the number of people being diagnosed with it has risen steadily and in the past five years there has been a 20-fold increase in cases, The Conversation reports.
Researchers say that’s connected to the rising popularity of high-intensity interval training like Crossfit, which can cause exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis.
So explain the Crossfit connection
Rhabdomyolysis can be caused is by extreme exercise. It happens because of depleted energy levels in the cells. If the cells lack the energy to undertake necessary functions such as maintaining the electrolyte balance, the cell walls are injured and leak. While elderly people who fall and are not found often present with this sort of muscle breakdown, it’s also seen in people following major surgery and in people who push themselves to the limit with intense exercise – this is “exertional” rhabdomyolysis.
Researchers have pointed to a “strong association” between rhabdomyolysis and Crossfit. It’s a link that even the founder of the exercise craze has accepted, running the above cartoon on his blog. Those in the Crossfit community sometimes ever jokingly refer to it as “rhabdo.”
It would be assumed that the potential seriousness of the condition would mean it’s taken rather seriously, but some Crossfit junkies wear it with a badge of honor. There are online communities where people boast about getting it and take selfies from hospital — it’s seen as dedication to the exercise.
While most people who get exertional rhabdo will just need fluids and rest, there are extreme cases of kidney failure, irregular heart rhythm and in some cases death.
The symptoms and how to avoid it
The three major symptoms of rhabdo are pain, weakness and tea-colored urine, which is related to the myoglobin. People can also experience nausea and lethargy. But you can avoid getting it at all if you know your limits and use common sense when performing high-intensity resistance training.