Sweat collectors hope research pays off for chronic crampers

Researchers here are busy collecting perspiration samples in an effort to link excess sodium loss through sweating to chronic cramping among athletes.

Because too little sodium in the body can lead to the painful muscle spasms, researchers theorize that persons with chronic cramps may be losing more sodium in their perspiration than those not affected. By collecting the sweat of test athletes engaged in high-energy exercise, researchers can measure the sodium-loss level.

John G. Lamberth said that, for purposes of the study he is leading, "chronic" crampers must have the cramping symptoms at least twice, or must either have been forced to leave a game or practice due to cramps.

Getting ready for one of the sweat-collecting sessions are (l-r) head athletic trainer Paul Mock; athletic instructor Richard Akins; John Lamberth, associate professor of health, physical education, recreation and sport; and graduate students Derick Atchley and Sam Brown.

"We hope to test enough people over time so we can say 'Yes, sodium loss could bring on exercise-induced muscle cramping,'" said the associate professor of health, physical education, recreation and sport.

While few earlier scientific studies of cramping have involved sweat collection, the MSU proposal sounded promising enough for Quaker Oats, manufacturer of Gatorade sports drink, to provide a $3,500 research grant.

Lamberth said genetics probably are to blame for some persons frequently troubled with exercise-induced cramping. The problem is particularly prevalent among football players in the South, where practices get under way in the heat and humidity of August and the season begins in early September.

"If we can prove the theory, maybe some type of specialized drink could be developed to help crampers retain the sodium lost while exercising," he said.

To test the hypothesis, Lamberth and graduate student Sam Brown of Atlanta have developed a sweat-inducing test.

Chronic crampers ride a stationary bicycle for one hour in a special heat chamber where the humidity is between 75 and 80 percent and the temperature is around 90 degrees. After the first one-hour session, a sample of the subjects' sweat is taken.

Following seven more chamber sessions, other samples are taken and the sodium amounts measured. Lamberth said preliminary results are encouraging.

"We definitely think this sodium loss might be the key to why some people suffer muscular cramps," he said. But, further testing is needed "and we hope to secure the funding to make this a long-term research project."