Kevin Miller Archives - The Sports Medicine Broadcast

What is Cramping Neurology?

Most basic definition: the role of the nervous system in cramping

About 8 minutes in Dr. Miller discusses the 3 main nerve cramp theories:

Central Theory –

This is the best supported through research stating the cramp occurs at the nerve cell body

There are two threshold levels for the cell body to cause a contraction known as a “bipolar state.”

Peripheral Theory –

Happens along the axon or end of the motor neuron.

We can stop a cramp from occurring by blocking the afferent activity with a nerve block to the tendon…but it is not always true.

Muscle Fiber Level Theory –

Least favorable among researchers but says that it happens at the muscle fiber level

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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.