One expert looks at overexertion in non-elite athletes

Overexertion sounds like such a broad term, especially when applied to elite athletes who routinely push themselves in high-stress competitions. But that’s what race officials say U.S. swimmer Fran Crippen died from Saturday during an open-water 10K race in the United Arab Emirates.

The exact details of the Olympic hopeful’s death are unknown, and USA Swimming is calling for a safety review of such races, according to a story in the Christian Science Monitor.

But Crippen’s death raises questions about how pushing oneself to the limits may kill. Physiologist Ralph LaForge expounds about one way. In a paper on the IDEA Health & Fitness Assn.’s website, he writes about how complications from muscle overexertion, or exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis, can lead to serious injuries and even death among non-elite triathletes and marathoners.

Common symptoms include muscle pain, tenderness and stiffness, LaForge writes, but complications can lead to fever and rapid heartbeat and ultimately renal failure. “How often cases result in these complications largely depends on the level of rhabdomyolysis and the speed at which the persons affected seek and receive medical help,” LaForge writes. Check out the full story at “Overexertion can cause serious harm.”

--Mary Forgione / For the Los Angeles Times