Exertional rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure following the Army Physical Fitness Test

Abstract

Rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuric acute renal failure may occur following strenuous exercise and may be more common in less physically conditioned persons. A case of moderately severe acute renal failure after the exercise involved in a routine Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) is described. This level of exertion, which is universally applied to Army personnel, should be recognized as a potential etiology of rhabdomyolysis. Prospective studies may help define the exact risk to renal function provided by the APFT.