Contrary to previous research, a study of three decades of the IRONMAN's top competition found a connection between dehydration and exercise-induced muscle cramps. Based on medical data of more than 10,500 triathletes, the study found a strong link between dehydration and participants seeking treatment for muscle cramps during the competition. While many popular theories hold that unbalanced electrolytes or potassium and salt levels contribute to cramps, this study did not find evidence to support that, which is consistent with other recent research.