Return to Play for Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in Korea National Rugby Player

Abstract

This case report describes the process of returning to play as a case of exertional rhabdomyolysis caused by excessive training by a national rugby player. The authors reported the serum analysis, urinalysis, visual analog scale for pain, and lower-extremity functional scale. The aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, and myoglobin levels in the serum analysis decreased normally during the eighth day, and creatine phosphokinase levels decreased to normal levels by the 15th day. The maximal scale of visual analog scale for pain was 10 from the third day to the fifth day, and gradually decreased from the sixth day (scale = 6.6) to the 13th day (scale = 0.9). The lower-extremity functional scale scores after the diagnosis of exertional rhabdomyolysis were 0 at the third day, 47 at the 10th day, and 80 at the 24th day. A moderate increase in water intake could help the player recover faster. To restore overall body condition for rugby performance, specific athletic therapy and training should be provided at a predetermined specific time.