Question

Cramps during exercise are caused by:
alcohol fermentation
glycolysis inhibition
lactic acid fermentation
chemiosmosis

Answer 1

Cramps during exercise are primarily caused by lactic acid fermentation. During intense exercise, when there is insufficient oxygen available to meet the energy demands of muscles, the body resorts to anaerobic metabolism. This metabolic pathway, known as lactic acid fermentation, produces energy rapidly but also leads to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. The build-up of lactic acid can irritate and stimulate the nerve endings in the muscles, resulting in cramping sensations.