On September 16, after a voluntary workout with a former team member, now a Navy SEAL, twelve Tufts University men’s lacrosse players were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) is a severe muscle injury that causes muscle breakdown, often induced by strenuous exercise. According to Tufts University, one of the twelve diagnosed were hospitalized, and the rest of the team was closely monitored following the session. In an email to university members on September 25, all of the players hospitalized had been released in “good health.”
Although rare, rhabdo is extremely dangerous, and the condition can be life threatening. By attacking the muscles in the body, the disease can result in muscle death, which is life threatening due to the breakdown in muscle fibers. Thus, toxic elements of the muscle can enter the circulatory system and kidneys, leading to kidney failure. Rhabdo can be induced by an injury or trauma, high-intensity exercise, severe dehydration and overheating, long periods of inactivity, and substance use disorders (The Cleveland Clinic).
After learning about the different conditions surrounding tissues in the human body, members of the Anatomy and Physiology class at PDS were able to offer their insight on rhabdo. Senior Nandini Kolli expressed, “Now that we know the disease can occur in athletes in strenuous situations and workouts, it will make students and coaches both aware of the importance of rest and the limit to which athletes can be pushed.” Kolli further mentioned, “We [students in Anatomy and Physiology] learned about rhabdo in athletes…it is important to be aware of the extent that we can push our bodies.”
Senior Ana Sofia Ramirez, asked questions regarding how the incident occurred, and how the disease affected so many on the team. “How did Tufts allow that type of excessive workout to even happen?” Upper School Anatomy and Physiology teacher Cari Roycroft gave her perspective on the situation, focusing on how dehydration can often lead to the development of rhabdo. “I do not think it was a matter of them being refused water, but they did not keep in mind the importance of hydration.” Ms. Roycroft emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body, and not pushing past the limit of physical exhaustion. “There are signs that you need to stop and that your body can only go to a certain point. There is a difference between being lazy and your body giving you signs that you should not continue.”
The NCAA Division III National Champion team is under investigation, and the protocols around the conditioning and training that took place during the practice are being evaluated.
