A comparison of bone mineral density in adolescent swimmers, pentathletes and figure skaters

Özet

Physical activity accounts for up to 17% of the variance in bone mineral density(BMD). Specifically, weight bearing exercises are of critical importance inincreasing BMD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influenceof three different sports with different mechanical loading properties on BMDof young athletes. This was an observational retrospective cohort study. Allavailable medical records of adolescent athletes who have been followed at theDivision of Adolescent Medicine at Hacettepe University were reviewed. Bonemineral content (BMC) and BMD of lumbar spine (L1-L4) and left femoralregion were compared between young athletes participating in swimming(n=50), pentathlon (n=18), and figure skating (n=7). Femur total and lumbarspine (L1-L4) BMC values of figure skaters (29.1±8.1 g and 51.5±19.0 g,respectively) were found to be higher than swimmers (21.5±6.6 g and36.1±11.7 g, respectively) and pentathletes (21.6±6.2 g and 41.7±19.4 g,respectively). However, there were no significant differences between any ofthe groups in lumbar spine and left proximal femur measurements. RegardingBMD, figure skaters (1.1±0.2 g/cm2) had significantly higher femur total BMDvalues than pentathletes (0.9±0.1 g/cm2) and swimmers (0.9±0.1 g/cm2, p<0.05). The type of sport has an impact on BMD. Weight bearing and highimpact loading activities seem to be associated with a better bone density ina region specific manner. Recommendation of high impact loading exercisesmay be considered to improve bone health in young athletes especiallyparticipating in low impact and non-weight bearing sports.