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Related Concept Videos

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects01:21

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Cross-bridge Cycle01:26

Cross-bridge Cycle

As muscle contracts, the overlap between the thin and thick filaments increases, decreasing the length of the sarcomere—the contractile unit of the muscle—using energy in the form of ATP. At the molecular level, this is a cyclic, multistep process that involves binding and hydrolysis of ATP, and movement of actin by myosin.
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles01:29

Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles

The period of muscle contraction primarily influences the duration of stimulation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the presence of free calcium ions in the sarcoplasm, and the availability of energy or ATP to support contractions.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open.
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue01:24

Muscle Recovery and Fatigue

Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective response...
Muscle Contraction01:10

Muscle Contraction

In skeletal muscles, acetylcholine is released by nerve terminals at the motor endplate—the point of synaptic communication between motor neurons and muscle fibers. The binding of acetylcholine to its receptors on the sarcolemma allows entry of sodium ions into the cell and triggers an action potential in the muscle cell. Thus, electrical signals from the brain are transmitted to the muscle. Subsequently, the enzyme acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine to prevent excessive muscle...
Muscle Contraction01:15

Muscle Contraction

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Induction and Assessment of Exertional Skeletal Muscle Damage in Humans
08:33

Induction and Assessment of Exertional Skeletal Muscle Damage in Humans

Published on: December 11, 2016

Skeletal muscle cramps during exercise.

M P Schwellnus1

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of Cape Town Medical School, Newlands, 7700, ZA.

The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|January 21, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Exercise-associated muscle cramping involves painful, involuntary skeletal muscle contractions. While the exact cause is unknown, muscle fatigue and poor stretching are key risk factors, with passive stretching as the primary treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Exercise Physiology
  • Sports Medicine
  • Neuromuscular Control

Background:

  • Exercise-associated muscle cramping (EAMC) is a common, painful condition affecting endurance athletes.
  • While often linked to rare medical conditions, most EAMC cases in athletes are idiopathic.
  • The underlying pathophysiology of EAMC remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current understanding of exercise-associated muscle cramping in athletes.
  • To identify key risk factors and effective treatment strategies for EAMC.
  • To discuss the potential role of neuromuscular control in EAMC etiology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of exercise-associated muscle cramping.
  • Analysis of potential etiological factors including muscle fatigue and biomechanics.

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Membrane Potentials, Synaptic Responses, Neuronal Circuitry, Neuromodulation and Muscle Histology Using the Crayfish: Student Laboratory Exercises

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  • Evaluation of current treatment and management approaches for EAMC.

    • Main Results:

    • EAMC is frequently observed in endurance athletes, often unrelated to underlying medical disorders.
    • Muscle fatigue and contraction in shortened positions are implicated as significant risk factors.
    • Abnormal spinal reflex activity may contribute to the development of cramps.
    • Passive stretching is the primary recommended treatment for acute cramping episodes.

    Conclusions:

    • EAMC is a multifactorial condition primarily associated with exercise-induced physiological changes.
    • Risk factors such as muscle fatigue and inadequate stretching necessitate targeted prevention strategies.
    • Recurrent EAMC may benefit from specialized diagnostic evaluations and tailored conditioning programs.