Abstract
BackgroundProfessional dancers are at risk of developing low bone mineral density (BMD). However, whether low BMD phenotypes already exist in pre-vocational dance students is relatively unknown.AimTo cross-sectionally assess bone mass parameters in female dance students selected for professional dance training (first year vocational dance students) in relation to aged- and sex-matched controls.Methods34 female selected for professional dance training (10.9yrs ±0.7) and 30 controls (11.1yrs ±0.5) were examined. Anthropometry, pubertal development (Tanner) and dietary data (3-day food diary) were recorded. BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) at forearm, femur neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) were assessed using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Volumetric densities were estimated by calculating bone mineral apparent density (BMAD).ResultsDancers were mainly at Tanner pubertal stage I (vs. stage IV in controls, p<0.001), and demonstrated significantly lower body weight (p<0.001) and height (p<0.01) than controls. Calorie intake was not different between groups, but calcium intake was significantly greater in dancers (p<0.05). Dancers revealed a significantly lower BMC and BMD values at all anatomical sites (p<0.001), and significantly lower BMAD values at the LS and FN (p<0.001). When adjusted for covariates (body weight, height, pubertal development and calcium intake), dance students continued to display a significantly lower BMD and BMAD at the FN (p<0.05; p<0.001) at the forearm (p<0.01).ConclusionBefore undergoing professional dance training, first year vocational dance students demonstrated inferior bone mass compared to controls. Longitudinal models are required to assess how bone health-status changes with time throughout professional training.
Highlights
Low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis are of major public health concern [1]
These conditions are characterised by low BMD and low bone mineral content (BMC), which lead to a fragile skeleton and increased risk of osteoporotic fractures [1]
The majority of relevant studies report that professional female dancers have low BMD compared to controls or normative values [18], which increases the risk of developing osteoporosis in later life
Summary
Low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis are of major public health concern [1]. These conditions are characterised by low BMD and low bone mineral content (BMC), which lead to a fragile skeleton and increased risk of osteoporotic fractures [1]. Female elite professional dancers are exposed to high levels of artistic and fitness strains, whilst aesthetic build and low body weight are embraced in dance culture [15,16,17]. The majority of relevant studies report that professional female dancers have low BMD compared to controls or normative values [18], which increases the risk of developing osteoporosis in later life. Whether low BMD phenotypes already exist in pre-vocational dance students is relatively unknown
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