Abstract
We examined bone mineral density (BMD) in competitive female gymnasts(n=10) over two years. Amenorrheic (n=1), oligomenorrheic (n=2) and eumenorrheic (n=7) gymnasts (19.4±1.0 yr) and normally-active eumenorrheic controls (n=14; 19.8 ± 1.7 yr) participated in the study. BMD and tissue composition were assessed by DXA (Hologic QDR-1000/W). Each gymnast was assessed five times, once in September and once in June in each of two consecutive training years. Therefore, two training periods (TP1, TP2) and two summers (SUM1, SUM2) were included. Mean body weight (55.6±7.4 kg) and% fat (15.9±2.0) did not differ between assessments. Paired t-tests revealed that whole body (WB) BMD increased during TP1 and TP2 (p<.05). In regional analyses leg BMD and lumbar spine (LS) BMD accounted for the most significant increases (range: p<.01 - p<.0001). Conversely, during SUM1 and SUM2 LS BMD decreased significantly (range: p<.05 - p<.01). A similar trend was observed for LegBMD during SUM1 and SUM2, however only SUM1 decreased significantly (p<.001). Bone mass% changes between TP1, TP2, SUM1 and SUM2 are compared below: Table Controls, measured twice over an 8 month period, exhibited no change in BMD. Conclusions: Loads from gymnastics training increased bone mass; Bone mineral acquisition relies on the continuation of loading.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Medicine &amp Science in Sports &amp Exercise
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
