Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:26
Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
Published on: July 17, 2020
Recurrent Exertion-Triggered Transient Bilateral Lower-Limb Weakness During a Marathon in a Trained Endurance Athlete
1Emergency Department Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Marmande-Tonneins Marmande France.
Clinical Case Reports
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Extreme endurance exercise can cause temporary, reversible leg weakness. Recognizing this rare condition is key to avoid misdiagnosis and rule out serious neurological or vascular issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Extreme endurance exercise can precipitate various physiological responses.
- Bilateral lower-limb weakness is an uncommon but recognized complication.
- Absence of structural spinal or vascular pathology is typical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the phenomenon of exercise-induced, reversible bilateral lower-limb weakness.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing this condition.
- To guide differential diagnosis in athletes presenting with leg weakness.
Main Methods:
- Case report/series description.
- Review of clinical presentations.
- Exclusionary diagnostic criteria.
Main Results:
- Recurrent, fully reversible bilateral lower-limb weakness observed during or after extreme endurance events.
- Symptoms resolve completely without specific intervention.
- No underlying structural, neurological, or vascular abnormalities identified.
Conclusions:
- Exercise-induced bilateral lower-limb weakness is a distinct clinical entity.
- Proper diagnosis prevents unnecessary investigations and anxiety.
- Awareness is crucial for clinicians managing athletes and endurance participants.
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