Changes in Bone Mineral Density in Female Intercollegiate Soccer Players

Abstract

Female athletes are prone to bone injuries due to a lack of strength combined with high-intensity training and inadequate nutrition. Decreases in body fat and menstrual disorders combined with low calcium intake can result in a decrease in bone mineral density. Athletes have higher bone mineral density than non-athletes. However, the demands placed on collegiate athletes vary as they move from pre-season training through the competitive season to off-season training which may have an effect on bone mineral density. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine bone mineral status in female athletes over the course of an academic year. METHODS: Subjects were 13 members of a division 1 university women's soccer team. Bone mineral density and percent body fat were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the beginning of pre-season training (August), immediately after the competitive season (November) and at the end of spring training (April).Tablealues are mean ± SE; P<0.05 RESULTS: There was no significant difference in body weight or percent body fat over the course of the academic year. Although differences were not significant, there was a tendency for bone mineral density to be higher at the end of the spring training period, reflecting a greater emphasis on strength training in the off season. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that bone mineral density does not change over the course of a competitive season in these athletes and illustrates the importance of off-season training and conditioning programs in maintaining bone mineral density.