J Bone Metab.  2018 Feb;25(1):35-42. 10.11005/jbm.2018.25.1.35.

Track and Field Practice and Bone Outcomes among Adolescents: A Pilot Study (ABCD-Growth Study)

• Faustino-da-Silva YdSV
• Agostinete RR
• Werneck AO
• Maillane-Vanegas S
• Lynch KR
• Exupério
• Ito IH
• Fernandes

• KMID: 2406237
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11005/jbm.2018.25.1.35

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Osteoporosis is considered a public health problem with high worldwide prevalence. One approach to prevention is through the promotion of physical activity, especially exercise, during adolescence.
METHODS
This study compared bone variables in different body segments in adolescents according to participation in track and field. The study included 34 adolescents (22 boys), of whom 17 were track and field athletes and 17 were control subjects. Bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) and bone mineral content (BMC, g) were analyzed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (total body stratified by body segments). Peak height velocity was used to estimate somatic maturation.
RESULTS
Athletes had higher BMD (P=0.003) and BMC (P=0.011) values in the lower limbs and higher whole body BMD (P=0.025) than the control group. However, when adjusted for confounding factors, the difference was not maintained. The groups had similar lean soft tissue values (P=0.094). Training overload was positively correlated with BMD in the upper limbs (r=0.504; 95% confidence interval, 0.031-0.793). Although track and field athletes had higher BMD and BMC values in the lower limbs, these differences were not significant when adjusted for confounding factors.
CONCLUSIONS
Track and field participation in adolescence appears to influence BMD and BMC in lower limbs, and fat-free mass seems to mediate this effect. Also, higher training loads were found to be positive for bone health in upper limbs.

Keyword

Bone and bones; Bone density; Child; Exercise; Sports

MeSH Terms

Absorptiometry, Photon
Adolescent*
Athletes
Bone and Bones
Bone Density
Child
Humans
Lower Extremity
Motor Activity
Osteoporosis
Pilot Projects*
Prevalence
Public Health
Sports
Track and Field*
Upper Extremity

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