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What do you know about Cramping Science?
I do not know a whole lot about Cramping Science, but luckily Mike McKenney and Dr. Kevin Miller are here to share tons of knowledge.
Who is Kevin Miller?
Dr. Kevin Miller is a Full Professor in the Athletic Training Program at Central Michigan University. His research interests include the causes, treatments, and prevention of exertional heat illness with a specific emphasis on exercise-associated muscle cramping.
He has published over 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts in medical journals and presented over 90 international, national, or regional presentations on topics related to heat illness.
He has co-authored several national and international position statements including the NATA Position Statement on Exertional Heat Illness; the Statement of the Third International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference; and the NATA round table on Malignant Hyperthermia in Physically-Active Populations.
Dr. Miller is a member of the Korey Stringer Institute’s Medical and Science Advisory Board; a member of the Editorial Boards for the Journal of Athletic Training; Exercise Physiology; Sport and Exercise Nutrition; and Athletic Training and Sports Health Care.
He is Chair of the Michigan Athletic Trainers Society Research Assistance Committee; NATA liaison to the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association; and member of the NATA’s International Committee.
Did you get lost in all of those titles?
Like I said, I do not know a whole lot of TRUTH about cramping. So I am here to keep it simple and not too nerdy.
What to do when you are cramping:
The fastest way to “fix” a cramp is static stretching. If we prevent the muscle from shortening then we are preventing it from cramping.
Anything ingested is going to take about 10 minutes to provide relief…
Except small volumes of pickle juice seem to make them relax after about 90 seconds. So stretch and give pickle juice right away.
When a cramp starts, will it go away?
For about an hour after a cramp the threshold for cramping is decreased even if the muscle is no longer cramping, it is still standing on the edge.
Recommendations for preventing a cramp?
- ask good questions
- know that each patient and cramp is unique
- look for trends
- have them keep a cramp journal
- start early in the day with fluid and sodium replacements
- drink through out the day when thirsty
Want to see the rest of our cramping science podcasts?
Cramping Science with Dr. Sandra Fowkes-Godek
NASA Engineered formula – The Right Stuff
Isotonic Drinks with Kari Beltran
Cramping Science Research with Dr. Sandra Fowkes-Godek
Neurology of a Cramp with Dr. Kevin Miller
Contact Us
Dr. Kevin Miller – email – mille5k@cmich.edu
Mike McKenney – m.mckenney@neu.edu
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Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.
Donate and get some swag (like Patreon but for the school)
HOIST – No matter your reason for dehydration DRINK HOIST
MedBridge Education – Use “TheSMB” to save some, be entered in a drawing for a second year free, and support the podcast.
Marc Pro – Use “THESMB” to recover better.
or 