Electrolyte beverage consumption alters electrically induced cramping threshold.

Jacob E Earp, Rebecca L Stearns, Andrew Stranieri, James Agostinucci, Adam S Lepley, Taylor Matson, Christie L Ward-Ritacco

Journal: Muscle & nerve 2020;60(5):598-603

PMID: 31350753

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Abstract

BACKGROUND

Recent investigations have questioned the role of hydration and electrolytes in cramp susceptibility and thus the efficacy of consuming electrolyte-rich carbohydrate beverages (EB) to control/prevent cramping.

METHODS

Nine euhydrated, cramp-prone participants had their cramp susceptibility assessed by measuring the nerve stimulation threshold frequency at which cramping occurs (TF) before and after consumption of an EB (kCal: 120, Na: 840 mg, K: 320 mg, Mg: 5 mg) and placebo beverage (PB: kCal: 5, Na: 35 mg). Cramp intensity was assessed using a verbal pain scale and poststimulation electromyography (EMG).

RESULTS

TF was greater in EB (14.86 ± 7.47 Hz) than PB (14.00 ± 5.03 Hz; P = .038) and reported pain was lower in EB (2.0 ± 0.6) than PB (2.7 ± 0.8; P = .025) while EMG was similar (P = .646).

DISCUSSION

EB consumption decreased cramp susceptibility and pain but did not prevent cramping in any participants. These results suggest that electrolyte consumption independent of hydration can influence cramp susceptibility in young people.

Address: Department of Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island.; Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island.; School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

DOI: 10.1002/mus.26650

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MeSH Terms: Adult, Alanine, Beverages, Dietary Sucrose, Electric Stimulation, Electrolytes, Electromyography, Female, Humans, Magnesium, Male, Muscle Cramp, Muscle, Skeletal, Pain Measurement, Potassium, Sodium, Tibial Nerve, Young Adult