Rhabdomyolysis caused by spinning in nine patients

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome that results from the destruction of the skeletal muscle. The one produced by exercise is observed after an intense physical effort. A form of high-intensity exercise called spinning or indoor cycling that involves using a stationary bicycle, has been exceptionally reported as a generating factor of muscular damage in the medical literature. A retrospective study was performed to assess the clinical presentation and the complications shown by nine patients who experienced rhabdomyolysis caused by indoor cycling. The prevailing symptoms were myalgias, asthenia, myoglobinuria and functional impotence of the lower limbs. All the patients showed significant muscular enzyme increases and the values of creatinephosphokinase ranged from 1650 to 165 000 IU/l. Only one of the patients showed kidney failure and another patient showed hypocalcemia; both parameters standardized with treatment. No relationship has been found between the increase of muscular enzymes and the development of complications. The aim of this study is to present a series of cases of rhabdomyolysis caused by indoor cycling and to warn about the risks that this activity may involve.