Multiple members of the Tufts University men’s lacrosse team were hospitalized last week with a life-threatening muscle condition after doing a Navy SEAL-style workout, the school confirmed.
After a team practice on Monday, Sept. 16, 12 members of the university’s men’s lacrosse team were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo), a potentially life-threatening muscle disorder, university spokesman Patrick Collins confirmed to PEOPLE. Five of those players required hospitalization.
Collins said the voluntary, supervised 45-minute training was led by a Tufts student who also has a degree in Navy SEAL training. The university said around 50 team members took part in the exercise and added that the number of confirmed cases and hospitalizations could change.
Collins said the hospitalized team members are currently under the care of medical professionals. “Our thoughts are with the players and their families and we hope for their speedy return to good health under the care of local medical professionals,” he said.
The Tufts University Jumbos collect the championship trophy during the Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship held at Lincoln Financial Field on May 26, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Larry French/NCAA photos via Getty
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“In the meantime, we are closely monitoring the condition of the rest of the team and have postponed all team training until each member of the team has been assessed and medically cleared to return to participation,” he continued.
Tufts University plans to investigate the incident, Collins said, and will “conduct a thorough review as soon as possible, with the goal of taking all steps necessary to support the safety of our student-athletes.”
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rhabdo is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that occurs “when damaged muscle tissue releases its proteins and electrolytes into the blood,” often due to heat or overuse. The muscle tissue breaks down and releases a dangerous protein called creatine kinase into the blood, but the condition can be treated, usually by an IV to flush the protein out of the patient’s system, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education