Last week, nine members of the Tufts University men’s lacrosse team were hospitalized after a workout. The 45-minute workout was run by a recent Navy SEALs graduate. After the voluntary workout, the nine lacrosse players were diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening disease called rhabdomyolysis. 

 

50 players participated in the supervised September 16 workout led by Tufts alumni who recently completed the BUD/S NAVY SEAL training program. The program, which stands for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, is a program full of intense workouts to see if members are fit to join the Navy SEALs. 

 

All of the 50 players have been evaluated by medical professionals with “a total of nine requiring hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo)” according to Patrick Collins, Executive Director of Media Relations for Tufts University. Out of the nine players that were diagnosed last week, three still remain in the hospital this week. 

 

Rhabdomyolysis or rhabdo is a rare condition that causes muscle fibers to die and break down their contents into the bloodstream which can lead to kidney complication. The disease is brought on by overexertion and muscle injuries. The most common symptoms are discolored urine, prolonged muscle stiffness, and muscle weakness. 

 

Affecting only 26,000 people in the US each year, Rhabdomyolysis can be life threatening if the disease is not treated quickly. To treat the disease, the nine players received IV fluids and electrolytes in the hospital. Depending on the severity of their illnesses, the student athletes  may have to participate in physical therapy or even undergo dialysis if their kidneys are severely damaged. 

 

Due to the spike in this uncommon illness, Tufts University has decided to postpone workouts and practices for the men’s lacrosse team. The school even decided to bring in an external independent investigator to review how this all happened.

 

Athletes are not the only group that is susceptible to Rhabdomyolysis, other groups that work in extreme heat, such as firefighters, police officers, first responders, and those in the military, are also highly susceptible to the illness. 

 

The key to preventing Rhabdomyolysis is by staying hydrated. If you are working in extreme heat, make sure to take cooling breaks and water breaks. You know your body best so make sure to monitor yourself and how you feel. If you start to experience any symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis, get out of the heat, drink plenty of water, and go to the hospital immediately. Even if it is a false alarm, it’s always better to be safe than to be sorry.