Bone Quality in Weight and Non-Weight Bearing Sports in Male Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

Bone quality has been correlated with lifetime physical activity. The accrual and maintenance of bone has been shown to be related to the type of sport, length of participation, weight bearing (WB) or non-weight bearing (NWB) activity, and the multidirectional forces applied. PURPOSE: To determine if there are differences between weight bearing and non-weight bearing sports on bone quality in male collegiate athletes. METHODS: Ten male collegiate athletes (20.8+1.2yrs), with no history of musculoskeletal injuries within the last 12 months, were selected from each NCAA Division II men’s soccer, football, cross country, swimming, and USA cycling Division I teams (n=50). For analyses, men’s soccer, football, and cross country were considered WB, and swimming and USA cycling were considered NWB. A bone specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) and a general demographic health questionnaire were collected for each athlete to determine eligibility for the study, as well as their history of physical activity and general demographic information that was relative to bone health. Using the Achilles InSight Ultrasonometer, broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), and stiffness index (SI) were measured on both heels for each athlete. The BUA, SOS, and SI were compared between sport, WB vs. NWB activities, and foot dominance using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between dominant and non-dominant foot for sports or WB vs. NWB activities. There were significant differences between BUA scores for sports and WB vs. NWB activities p=0.026 and p=0.015, respectively. The SOS scores were significant for sports and WB vs. NWB activities (p<0.001). SI scores were found to have a significant difference between sports type and WB vs. NWB activities (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Weight bearing vs. non-weight bearing sports have significant effects on bone health in male collegiate athletes.