Underlying Chronic Disease, Medication Use, History of Running Injuries and Being a More Experienced Runner Are Independent Factors Associated With Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramping: A Cross-Sectional Study in 15778 Distance Runners

Background: Exercise-associated muscle cramping (EAMC) is a significant medical complication in distance runners, yet factors associated with EAMC are poorly documented. Objective: To document risk factors associated with EAMC in runners. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Two ocean races (21.1 km, and 56 km). Participants: Fifteen thousand seven hundred seventy-eight race entrants. Methods: Participants completed a prerace medical history screening tool including: training, cardiovascular disease (CVD), risk factors for, and symptoms of CVD, history of diseases affecting major organ systems, cancer, allergies, medication use, and running injury. Runners were grouped as having a history of EAMC (hEAMC group = 2997) and a control group (Control = 12 781). Results: Independent factors associated with a higher prevalence ratio (PR) of hEAMC were any risk factor for CVD (PR = 1.16; P = 0.0002), symptoms of CVD (PR = 2.38; P

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