What is Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition when damaged body muscle releases proteins and electrolytes, a potential life threatening condition. This condition presents with a triad of myalgia, muscle weakness and dark tea-coloured urine. Anything that causes severe muscle injury could lead to rhabdomyolysis. These causes could be related to drugs, prolonged seizures, burn injuries, crushed injuries and etc.
Rhabdomyolysis and Spin classes
In recent years, we have noticed a surge of young patients suffering from rhabdomyolysis after spin class, a fast-paced indoor cycling. Almost all the reported spin related rhabdomyolysis cases have one thing in common. Spin class virgin with no prior history of regular exercise who unfortunately spun their way to the hospital with some serious health issues.
Physiological processes and complications of Rhabdomyolysis
What happens in rhabdomyolysis? Damaged muscle cells break open, their contents leak into bloodstream. These are namely, creatine kinase, myoglobin, potassium and phosphate.
Myoglobin is a protein in our skeletal muscle and also the culprit of tea-coloured urine in rhabdomyolysis. If released into bloodstream, myoglobin are filtered and excreted by the kidneys. In large quantities when the kidneys cannot get rid of the waste fast enough, kidney failure may happen and dialysis will be required.
Muscle damage and kidney failure can lead to hyperkalemia( high level of potassium in bloodstream). Hyperkalemia may have cardiac manifestations leading to cardiac arrhythmias and arrest.
Phosphate has the tendency to bind with calcium. When large amount of phosphates are released into bloodstream, they bind with calciums causing hypocalcemia which may lead to muscle spasm.
Treatment
Main focus of treatment is to prevent kidney injuries. Closely monitored intravenous fluid hydration will be done to flush out myoglobin, maintain good urine output and to prevent kidney damage.
Creatine Kinase (CK) released from damaged muscle is a direct indicator of muscle damage. CK values along with other parameters will be used as a guide to monitor treatment progress.
Conclusion
This article has no intention of creating a negative reflection upon spin cycling. All forms of physical activity or sport if done correctly is definitely beneficial to our physical and mental health.
If you wish to attempt a strenuous activity, please ensure that you prepare your body well. Make sure to have adequate warm up, hydration and gradual increase in intensity of your activity within your body limits. Short burst of high intensity exercises may lead to some serious health issues. Be kind to your body.
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