Parameters Of The Athlete Triad In Male Ncaa Division I Athletes

Abstract

Male athletes are at risk of developing a condition similar to the female athlete triad that is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), low energy availability (EA), and reduced reproductive hormones. However, the triad has not been well studied in males. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess BMD and EA in male NCAA division I athletes participating in leanness emphasized sports (cross country and wrestling) and non-leanness sports (soccer and basketball). We hypothesized that EA and BMD would be lower in XC and wrestling compared to soccer and basketball and EA would be positively correlated with BMD. METHODS: Participants included 27 NCAA division I male athletes (20.3 ± 0.3 yr) participating in soccer (n = 5) or cross country (XC, n = 7), wrestling (n = 10), or basketball (n = 5). Following a 12 hr fast and abstinence from physical activity, a resting metabolic rate test, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, and 24-hour food intake recall was performed during an early morning testing session. Two unannounced follow-up food intake recalls were performed over the phone and used to determine mean daily energy intake. Activity energy expenditure was assessed using an Actigraph accelerometer for 7d. Low EA was defined: [(energy intake – activity energy expenditure) /fat free mass (kg)] ≤ 20 kcal/kg. RESULTS: XC had lower BMI, fat free mass, total, lumbar spine, and dual femur BMD (g/cm2) compared to soccer, wrestling, and basketball. XC athletes also had lower total BMD, lumbar spine, and dual femur Z-scores compared to wrestling and basketball, but not soccer. XC had significantly greater EA than basketball. CONCLUSIONS: In support of our hypothesis, BMD was lower in athletes participating in XC, a leanness sport, compared to all other sports. Surprisingly, EA was highest in XC and negatively correlated with BMD. These data suggest the interrelationship between components of the athlete triad is complex and low EA may not be the primary cause of low BMD in male athletes.