What causes muscle cramps during exercise? Athletes and coaches may want to look at the playing surface

Despite good hydration and nutrition, many athletes across sports still suffer from unexpected cramps. The courts and fields they’re playing on may be the missing link.

By: Michael Hales, Kennesaw State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 13, 2026

Words: 897

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Michael Hales, Kennesaw State University

For athletes across all sports, few experiences are as agonizing as being forced to leave competition with a sudden muscle cramp. These painful, uncontrolled spasms – formally known as exercise-associated muscle cramps – have frustrated athletes, coaches and researchers for decades.

Scientists have traditionally attributed exercise-induced cramps to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. However, this theory left unanswered questions. For example, many well-hydrated athletes experience cramps, while …

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