Quantitative Ultrasound Densitometry in University Level Cricket Fast Bowlers and Nonathletes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Fast bowling in cricket is an important skill that imparts mechanical loads on limbs. The differential loading patterns involved in bowling affect the peripheral limb bone status. Objective To evaluate bone properties using quantitative ultrasound densitometry (QUS), among fast cricket bowlers in comparison with nonathletes. A secondary objective was designed to find correlation between QUS parameters and bonespecific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ). Methodology A total of 80 subject, 40 fast cricket bowlers of both gender (20 male and 20 female) and 40 nonathletes (20 male and 20 female) were included in our study and all are aged between 20 and 25 years. Bone speed of sound (SOS) was measured bilaterally at the distal radius and the mid tibia using Sunlight OmnisenseTM device. Results There was a significant difference between dominant side and nondominant side radial SOS (p < 0.05) and tibial SOS (p < 0.05) in cricket bowlers favoring dominant radial bone SOS and nondominant tibial bone SOS which was not found in nonathletes. Significant difference in dominant radial bone SOS values (p < 0.05) and nondominant tibial bone SOS (p < 0.05) values existed between cricket bowlers and controls. Positive correlation was found between tibial SOS and past BPAQ in all subjects. Conclusion QUS parameters were significantly higher in young cricket bowlers with greater values observed in the dominant arm and leading foot, thus reflecting the osteogenic effect that occurs due to the nature of the game. Further BPAQ is significantly correlated with lower limb bone properties as measured by QUS at mid shaft tibia. How to cite this article Shenoy S, Parthasarathy S, Sandhu JS. Quantitative Ultrasound Densitometry in University Level Cricket Fast Bowlers and Nonathletes. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(2):83-89.