Between 1990 and 1993, we studied 14 cases of acute renal failure due
to prolonged muscular exercise (e.g., squat jumping, sit-ups) and blun
t trauma inflicted by law enforcement personnel using sticks or leathe
r belts. None of the patients had a prior history of myopathy, neuropa
thy, or renal disease. All were critically ill and required renal supp
ort in the form of dialysis. Although the morbidity was high, 13 of th
e patients recovered normal renal function. One patient expired due to
sepsis.