[What do we know about the exercise-related transient abdominal pain ?]

Exercise-related transient abdominal pain or « side stitch » is a very common problem among athletes, whatever their level of participation. This pain may be present in different areas of the abdomen, even in the shoulder, usually well localized, and described as cramping or stabbing depending on the severity. The etiology is still debated, with many possible theories. It is a benign problem but other pathologies, often more severe, must be excluded in case of any atypical presentation. There are simple preventive measures recommended. This pain usually disappears within minutes by slowing or stopping the effort and / or using different methods without scientific validation until now.