Stitch, more accurately referred to as exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP), is a sharp, stabbing pain that people often experience when exercising. Despite its overwhelming prevalence across different sports, researchers do not really understand why this side ache or muscle stitch occurs. This week, we go through the various theories that have been proposed and decide which makes the most sense to us scientifically.

TLDR: We have no idea, but it is likely a combination of the pulling of ligaments supporting the abdominal organs as well as lack of oxygen and muscle cramps surrounding the abdominal area.

Links:

https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2000/02000/Characteristics_and_etiology_of_exercise_related.26.aspx

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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031

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