STATIC AND DYNAMIC STABILITY IN DOMESTIC CRICKETERS WITH LOWER LIMB MUSCLE CRAMPS

Background: Muscle cramps, particularly in the lower extremities, are frequently reported among athletes and can significantly impair postural control and athletic performance. Cricketers, due to prolonged physical exertion and repetitive motion, are highly susceptible to such cramps, which can lead to disturbances in both static and dynamic stability. Understanding the association between cramp severity and balance deficits is essential for developing preventive strategies aimed at optimizing player performance and reducing injury risk. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between lower limb muscle cramp severity and static and dynamic stability among domestic cricketers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 169 domestic cricketers aged 18–35 years. Participants were assessed using the Muscle Cramp Questionnaire to evaluate cramp characteristics including frequency, duration, severity, and site. Static balance was measured via the Stork Balance Test, while dynamic balance was assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Chi-square tests were applied to identify associations between cramp severity and balance performance. Results: Among the participants, 130 (76.9%) were male and 39 (23.1%) were female, with a mean age of 21.22 ± 3.15 years. Right leg dominance was reported in 110 (65.1%) individuals. Cramps occurred daily in 77 (45.6%) cases, with 110 (65.1%) experiencing cramps lasting over one hour, primarily affecting the thigh (52.1%). Most cramps occurred at night (40.2%), and moderate severity was reported by 114 (67.5%) participants. Statistically significant associations were found between muscle cramp severity and both static and dynamic balance on the dominant leg (P < 0.05), whereas no significant association was observed on the non-dominant leg (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Moderate lower limb muscle cramps are common among domestic cricketers and are significantly associated with impaired balance, particularly on the dominant leg. Early detection and targeted training are essential for mitigating their impact.