Neck Strength Research Articles

Presence of sarcopenia does not affect the clinical results of balloon kyphoplasty for acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture

Sarcopenia has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in several diseases. Herein, the clinical results of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) treatment were assessed and compared between sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia patients. Sixty patients who underwent BKP for treatment of acute OVF with poor prognostic factors between April 2016 and September 2017 and were assessed for sarcopenia were enrolled. Clinical results (back pain on visual analogue scale [VAS]; short-form [SF] 36; vertebral deformity; activities of daily living levels; and incidence of adjacent vertebral fractures) were compared between the two groups at 6 months post-BKP. Data analysis revealed that back pain on VAS, SF-36 scores, and vertebral deformity improved from baseline to 6 months after BKP. Thirty-nine patients (65.0%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia and demonstrated a lower body mass index (21.2 vs. 23.3 kg/m2, p = 0.02), skeletal muscle mass index (5.32 vs. 6.55 kg/m2, p < 0.01), hand-grip strength (14.7 vs. 19.2 kg, p = 0.01), and bone mineral density of the femoral neck (0.57 vs. 0.76 g/cm2, p < 0.01) than those of patients without sarcopenia. However, no significant differences were observed in the clinical results between these groups. Therefore, BKP’s clinical results for the treatment of acute OVF are not associated with sarcopenia.

Effect of Neck Strength on Simulated Head Impacts During Falls in Female Ice Hockey Players

Effect of Neck Strength on Simulated Head Impacts During Falls in Female Ice Hockey Players

The reliability of isometric neck strength assessments in trained individuals

The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science™ ISSN 2703-240X Our Journal: Aims and Scope The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science™ (JSES) is a peer-reviewed online journal that publishes original research articles, reviews, invited commentaries, and letters to the editor, in the broad context of sport and exercise science. This includes, but is not limited to, […]

El pico flujo espiratorio y la cuenta máxima son marcadores del compromiso respiratorio en la miastenia gravis

IntroductionMyasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease characterised by fluctuating, fatigable muscle weakness, frequently involving bulbar and respiratory muscles. Considering the severity of respiratory involvement in MG, routine evaluation of respiratory function is essential.The aim of this study was to identify a useful clinical marker of respiratory involvement in patients with MG. MethodsWe performed an observational study of patients with MG. All cases were evaluated with the single-breath counting test, peak expiratory flow (PEF), a modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (mMRC), and a neck strength assessment. The results of these parameters were correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). ResultsThe study included 45 patients with MG: 2 patients classified as grade I on the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification at the time of evaluation, 35 classified as grade II, 7 classified as grade III, and one classified as grade IV. Positive correlations were found between single-breath counting test scores and FVC values (r = 0.57, p = .000), and between PEF and FVC values (r = 0.76, p = .000). Severity of dyspnoea according to the mMRC scale showed a negative correlation with FVC values (r = -0.31, p = .03). PEF also showed a significant correlation with MEP (r = 0.51, p = .002). ConclusionsPEF, the single-breath counting test, and the mMRC scale are useful measures for evaluating respiratory function in patients with MG.

Efficacy of Cervical Spine Muscle Strength Training in the Prevention of Cervical Spine Injuries in Hockey Players: A Critically Appraised Topic

Abstract&#x0D; Limited review of cervical spine injuries within the sport of ice hockey exist in the published world. Therefore, this paper sets out to locate, define, and critically appraise the topic to determine the frequency, severity, and possible interventions for the prevention and rehabilitation of cervical spine injuries in ice hockey. A call to action is advised to accurately track these injuries in order to better assist with the creation of a standardized protocol for treatment and reconditioning designed to assist strength and conditioning professionals in the reconditioning of athletes. Sufficient evidence supported the prevalence of cervical spine injuries in the sport of hockey. muscle strength and rigidity had little to no effect on the resistance of head impact acceleration.4 Regardless of linear velocity and peak angular velocity changes amongst individuals with varying isometric muscle strength of the cervical muscle, cervical spine injuries appear to be unrelated.8 The continued documentation of cervical spine injuries in hockey is necessary to gain a clearer understanding of the current prevalence of this specific injury. It appears that cervical spine injuries are less prevalent at the professional and international levels. This could potentially be attributed to a greater respect for athletic competition, as well as significant improvements of motor function and control exhibited by professional hockey players. Improving physiological performance appears to have little to no effect on cervical spine injuries.7,8,9 Unfortunately, little to no evidence currently exists, regarding the optimization of kinetic and kinematic actions within the cervical spine structure by way of improving muscle function, hypertrophy, or neuromuscular efficiency.&#x0D; Keywords: cervical spine injuries in hockey, neck injuries in the hockey, non-concussion-based spine injuries in hockey, neck strength, neck muscle activation, head kinematics&#x0D;

Sex Differences in Multidirectional Neck Muscle Strength Characteristics in High School Soccer Athletes

Weaker neck strength has been suggested as a potential risk factor of sport related concussion in female soccer athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine sex differences in neck muscle strength characteristics in multiple directions. A total of 52 high school soccer players (17 Females/35 Males) with no history of concussion participated. Subjects were instructed to perform three maximum voluntary isometric contractions for eight directions: flexion, right / left diagonal flexion, right/left lateral flexion, right/left diagonal extension, and extension. Peak force, normalized peak force, force steadiness, force ratio, and rate of force development were calculated and used for statistical analyses.

Relation between Isometric Neck Strength and White Matter Organization in Collegiate Athletes.

Soccer athletes frequently experience repetitive head impacts (RHI) during games and practices, which may affect neural integrity over time and lead to altered brain structure. Neck strength is hypothesized to limit the transfer of force to the brain and decrease the effect of RHI on brain structure. The goal of our work was to examine whether greater neck strength is associated with more intact white matter organization (WMO) in collegiate athletes exposed to RHI. Collegiate soccer (n = 17) and limited/non-contact sport (n = 39) athletes were assessed prior to their athletic seasons. Participants completed neck strength assessments using handheld dynamometry in six test positions and diffusion tensor imaging. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) were calculated for 20 white matter (WM) regions. A multi-variate approach was used to examine the relationship between neck strength and diffusion measures in soccer and limited/non-contact athletes. Neck strength was positively associated with FA and negatively associated with RD across several WM regions in soccer players only. Neck strength was not significantly associated with MD or AD in either group. Greater neck strength was related to more intact WMO in athletes with high exposure to RHI, particularly in regions prone to damage from brain trauma such as the basal ganglia, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and frontoparietal WM. Future studies should examine neck strength as a factor to moderate neural outcomes in athletes with exposure to RHI.

Association of Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat Mass With Bone Density and Vertebral Fractures in Women With Severe Obesity

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue with bone mineral density (BMD), geometric indices of femoral neck strength and vertebral fractures in pre- and postmenopausal women with severe obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with pre- (n = 37) and postmenopausal (n = 21) women with body mass index higher than 40 kg/cm2. BMD at total body, lumbar spine, hip and forearm, presence of vertebral fractures, lean mass, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue were assessed by DXA. Geometric indices of femoral neck strength were calculated by DXA. Serum bone turnover markers (CTX and osteocalcin) and 25(OH)D were also measured. Results: BMD at all studied sites was similar in pre- and postmenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, total subcutaneous adipose tissue was inversely associated with BMD at total femur (β = −0.009; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.017; −0.002) and with strength index (β = −0.03; 95% CI −0.04; −0.01). In premenopausal women, visceral adipose tissue was inversely associated with cross-sectional moment of inertia (β = −0.95; 95%CI −1.89; −0.01). Vertebral fractures were highly prevalent in premenopausal (32%), and even more frequent among postmenopausal women (55%). Conclusion: Taken together, our results suggest that both visceral and subcutaneous fat may be detrimental for bone health in pre- and postmenopausal women, and that severe obesity may increase the risk of vertebral fractures, even in young women.

Neck and Trunk Strength Training to Mitigate Head Acceleration in Youth Soccer Players

Müller, C and Zentgraf, K. Neck and trunk strength training to mitigate head acceleration in youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Heading in soccer involves repetitive head accelerations that may be detrimental for brain health. One way to mitigate adverse effects may be to increase head-neck stabilization and thus reduce the kinematic response after intentional headers. This study aimed to (a) assess associations between neck strength and head kinematics and (b) evaluate an exercise intervention designed to increase strength and attenuate head acceleration during intentional heading in youth soccer players. In 22 athletes, we used accelerometers to assess associations between neck strength and peak linear acceleration (PLA). We attached the accelerometers to the occiput and sternum, allowing us to differentiate between total, trunk, and head PLA. Longitudinally, we evaluated the effects of a 14-week twice-weekly resistance training in a subsample of 14 athletes compared with regular soccer training (N = 13). Results showed that female athletes had lower isolated neck strength (p ≤ 0.004), lower functional neck strength (p ≤ 0.017), and higher total PLA during purposeful headers compared with males (17.2 ± 3.5 g and 13.0 ± 2.3 g, respectively, at 9.6 m·s ball velocity during impact; p = 0.003). The intervention group showed moderate to large strength gains ( = 0.16-0.42), resulting in lower PLA (total -2.4 g, trunk -0.8 g, and head -1.5 g) during headers. We conclude that a resistance training focusing on cervical and trunk musculature is practicable in youth soccer, elicits strength gains, and helps to mitigate PLA during purposeful heading. Results should encourage youth strength and conditioning professionals to incorporate neck exercises as a risk reduction strategy into their training routine.

Isometric, concentric, and eccentric neck strength in the sagittal and coronal planes of motion for adult females

Objective Assess strength in adult females using multiple positions, motions, and contraction types, to better understand strength production of young and non-symptomatic of adult female subjects to help assess and improve the biofidelity of anthropomorphic test devices and human body models. Methods Fifteen adult females (25.4 ± 6.3 years) were recruited for this study. Strength measurements were collected for the sagittal and coronal planes during isometric, concentric, and eccentric muscle contractions in neutral and mid-range of motion anatomical positions. Results For both planes, subjects were strongest during eccentric muscle contractions and weakest in concentric muscle activations. In the sagittal plane, subjects were stronger in extension for all muscle activation types and anatomical positions. In the coronal plane, there were no side differences in isometric nor concentric strength. Conclusions Neck strength of adult females depends on muscle activation type and anatomical positions. Future computational models should account for muscle activation type when quantifying responses of female subjects.

The Efficacy of PTH and Abaloparatide to Counteract Immobilization-Induced Osteopenia Is in General Similar.

Immobilization results in a substantial bone loss and increased fracture risk. Powerful bone anabolic therapies are necessary to counteract the bone loss and reduce fracture risk during periods with immobilization. Intermittent parathyroid hormone 1−34 (PTH) (teriparatide) and PTH related peptide analog abaloparatide (ABL) are potent bone anabolic therapies acting through the same receptor, but induce different durations of signaling response. We investigated the efficacy of PTH or ABL in preventing immobilization-induced bone loss in rats in a direct mole-to-mole comparison. Immobilization was achieved by injecting botulinum toxin type A (BTX) into the right hindlimb musculature. Sixty 14-week-old female Wistar rats were allocated to the following groups: Baseline, Control, BTX, BTX + PTH (80 μg/kg/day), and BTX + ABL (77 μg/kg/day). Immobilization resulted in a substantial and significant reduction in bone mineral density (aBMD), metaphyseal and epiphyseal trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), metaphyseal trabecular number (Tb.N), and femoral neck bone strength. Both PTH and ABL prevented the immobilization-induced decrease in aBMD, metaphyseal and epiphyseal Tb.Th, and metaphyseal Tb.N. In addition, PTH rescued the reduction in metaphyseal BV/TV and femoral neck strength, while ABL did not. However, the effect of PTH and ABL did not differ significantly for serum calcium, aBMD, metaphyseal, and epiphyseal BV/TV, Tb.Th, or Tb.N. In conclusion, in a mole-to-mole comparison the efficacy of PTH and ABL is similar in counteracting immobilization-induced reduction in bone mineral density, deterioration in trabecular microarchitecture, and decrease in bone strength.

The Effect of Resection Size in the Treatment of Cam-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement in the Typical Patient With Hip Arthroscopy: A Biomechanical Analysis

Background: Arthroscopic osteochondroplasty may improve range of motion and relieve pain in patients with symptomatic hip impingement. Femoral neck fracture is a risk of this procedure because of the weakening of the proximal femur. To our knowledge, there are no biomechanical studies in young human cadaveric bone evaluating the effect of osteochondroplasty on femoral neck strength. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to evaluate loads to fracture in young human cadavers after resection depths of 25% and 40% at the head-neck junction. We hypothesized that both depths will maintain ultimate loads to failure above previously published loads, as well as above physiologic weightbearing loads. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Cadaveric proximal femoral specimens (6 matched pairs, under the age of 47 years) were divided into 2 groups: 25% or 40% of the diameter at the head-neck junction was resected. The length of the resection was 2 cm and the width of the resection was determined by the length of the anterolateral quadrant at the head-neck junction in all cases. A compressive load was applied directly to the femoral head. Peak load, stiffness, and energy to fracture were compared between groups. Results: The average peak load to fracture after 25% resection (7347 N) was significantly higher than after the 40% resection (5892 N) (P = .010). The average energy to fracture was also significantly higher in the 25% resection group (30.2 J vs 19.2 J; P = .007). The average stiffness was higher in the 25% group, although not statistically significant (P = .737). Conclusion: Resection depths of 25% and 40% at the anterolateral quadrant of the femoral head-neck junction may be safe at previously described functional loads such as standing and walking in the age range more typically seen in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. Loads to fracture were significantly higher than previously reported using older cadaveric specimens. Clinical Relevance: Currently, most surgeons limit weightbearing after femoral osteochondroplasty in part because of risk of femoral neck fracture. Given the higher observed loads to fracture, young patients could possibly bear weight sooner after surgery, although postoperative protocols should be individualized based on patient age, weight, bone density, amount of bone resected, concomitant procedures, and potential compliance with activity restrictions.

An experimental procedure to perform mechanical characterization of small-sized bone specimens from thin femoral cortical wall

The cortical shell of the femoral neck plays a role in determining the overall neck strength. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the mechanical properties of cortical tissue of the femoral neck due to challenges in implementing accurate testing protocols for the thin shell. Indeed, mechanical properties are commonly derived from mechanical testing performed on tissue samples extracted from the femoral diaphysis, i.e. assuming tissue homogeneity along the femur. The aim of this work was to set up a reliable methodology to determine mechanical properties of bone samples extracted from thin cortical shell of the femoral neck. A three-point bending test was used to determine elastic and post-elastic properties of cortical bone samples extracted from the inferior and superior femoral neck. An optical system was used to monitor the sample deflection. Accuracy was preliminarily evaluated by determining the elastic modulus of an aluminium alloy. A good intra- and inter-sample variability was found on determining aluminium elastic modulus: 1.6% and 3.6%, respectively. Additionally, aluminium elastic modulus value was underestimated by less than 1%. A pilot trial was performed on a human femoral neck to assess the procedure feasibility. A total of 22 samples were extracted from the inferior and superior femoral neck and successfully tested. Preliminary results suggest that mechanical properties of cortical bone tissue extracted from human femoral neck might be side dependent, the superior tissue seems to exhibit better mechanical properties than the inferior one, at least in terms of yield stress and maximum strain.This supposedly different mechanical competence must be further investigated. The proposed procedure makes it feasible to carry out such studies.

Positive correlations between physical activity level and composite indices of femoral neck strength in a group of young overweight and obese men

Summary Objective The aim of this study was to examine the associations between physical activity level and composite indices of femoral neck strength in a group of young overweight and obese Lebanese men. Methods Eighty overweight and obese (body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2) young men whose ages range between 18 and 35 years participated in this study. Weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated. Body composition and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Compressive strength index (CSI), bending strength index (BSI) and impact strength index (ISI) were calculated. Physical activity level was evaluated by the global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ). Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max, in L/min) was measured using a valid device. Results Weight, BMI, fat mass and fat mass percentage were negatively correlated to CSI, BSI and ISI. Physical activity level (h/week) was positively correlated to CSI, BSI and ISI while VO2 max (mL/min/kg) was positively correlated to CSI and ISI. The positive associations between physical activity and composite indices of femoral neck strength (CSI, BSI and ISI) remained significant after adjustment for body weight. Conclusion Our study conducted on overweight and obese men shows that physical activity level is a positive determinant of composite indices of femoral neck strength. In overweight men, increasing physical activity level may help to prevent osteoporotic fractures later in life.

Bigger Necks Are Not Enough: An Examination of Neck Circumference in Incoming College Athletes.

Neck circumference is quick and simple to measure and thus an attractive proxy of neck strength, a putative mechanism underlying risk of sport-related concussion (SRC). Research, however, is limited on the relationship of neck circumference to SRC. Our study examined differences in neck circumference based on sex, concussion history, concussions experienced subsequent to college entry, and participation in sports with high versus low risk for contact. Neck circumference was measured in incoming NCAA Division I athletes (N = 324) from a large northeastern university during athlete pre-participation physicals. Sex, sport team, and self-reported concussion history were obtained from retrospective pre-participation questionnaires and medical chart review. Concussion diagnoses during college were collected subsequent to neck measurements from medical chart review. Proportional neck circumference (normalized by bodymass index) was computed. Each sport was categorized as involving high or low risk of contact (as a proxy of risk for injury). Sex differences in neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were assessed. Differences in neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were also characterized by contact risk and SRC history (with biological sex included as a covariate). Differences in neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were explored among those who did versus did not experience subsequent SRC diagnosis. Males had significantly larger neck circumference and proportional neck circumference than females. Neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were not related to SRC history or subsequent SRC. Neck circumference is a quick and simple measure; however, even when considered in proportion to body mass, it was unrelated to SRC. Future studies are needed to assess whether this is due to a lack of relationship between the neck and injury or limitations in circumference as a proxy measure of cervical spine characteristics and biomechanics.

Progressive resistance exercise for improving pain and disability in chronic neck pain: A case series.

Chronic neck pain is known to be associated with neck muscle weakness. However, many strengthening programs do not target multi-directional weakness in a functional position. Specialised assessment and treatment technology that is able to strengthen the neck muscles in an upright position may be used to achieve this. There is little research available on the efficacy of neck-specific progressive resistance exercise interventions in patients with chronic neck pain; therefore, this study aimed to determine whether this style of program led to a change in pain and disability, and to investigate the relationship between neck strength, pain and disability. Secondary analysis of participants with chronic neck pain who completed a minimum of nine sessions of a neck-specific progressive resistance program at a physiotherapy clinic between the years of 2002 and 2018. Outcomes were the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Numerical Rating Scale of Pain (NRS) and multi-directional neck strength (flexion, extension and lateral flexion - pounds). Data were analysed through paired samples t-tests and backwards stepwise multiple linear regression models. A total of 127 participants were eligible for inclusion. All neck strength measures, NDI scores and NRS scores showed significant improvements after the nine sessions (all p < .0001). Significant predictors of NDI were symptom duration (β = -0.023, p = .009) and NRS score (β = 4.879, p < .000). Significant predictors of NRS were symptom duration (β = 0.004, p = .005), NDI score (β = 0.105, p < .000), extension strength (β = -0.950, p = .012) and gender (β = 0.777 [male =1, female = 0], p = .029). This study showed that a neck-specific progressive resistance exercise intervention led to significant improvement in neck strength, pain and disability in a clinical population. However, caution should be taken when interpreting results due to a lack of comparison group and the variation in treatment given and, therefore, further higher-quality research should be undertaken to confirm these findings.

EFFECTS OF DIET ALTERATIONS, WITH OR WITHOUT FECAL MICROBIAL TRANSPLANTS, ON BONE INTEGRITY

High fat feeding exerts a negative impact on bone quality and strength. Gut microbiota have been strongly linked to bone outcomes in several models, though a clear mechanism linking alterations in gut microbiota, diet composition, and bone has not yet been elucidated. PURPOSE: To determine if alterations in diet, with or without fecal microbial transplants (FMT) can rescue bone integrity in diet-induced obesity. METHODS: 6-wk old male C57Bl/6 mice (n=10/group) were randomized to a low-fat (LF) or high fat, high sugar (HFS) diet ad libitum for 13 wks. HFS mice were randomized to one of three groups for 4 wks: LF diet with FMT from the LF mice (HFS/LF+), LF diet with sham FMT using PBS (HFS/LF), or HFS diet with FMT from the LF mice (HFS/HFS+) to simulate the impact of combined diet alteration and addition of “healthy” microbes, diet alterations only, and addition of “healthy” microbes only, respectively. Animals had free access to a running wheel until terminated at 23 wks of age. Statistical analyses were performed using a two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test. RESULTS: HFS/HFS+ mice showed greater absolute femoral neck (FN) strength versus HFS/LF and HFS/LF+ mice (p<0.003), while LF/LF mice had the greatest relative FN strength versus all groups (p<0.016). Whole femur bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) was greater in HFS/HFS+ versus all groups (p<0.023); LF/LF mice had the highest BMD when normalized to body weight (p<0.029). Immunostaining for tumor necrosis factor alpha, sclerostin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and interferon gamma in cortical and cancellous bone revealed no differences between groups. Despite no difference in marrow adipocyte number (#/mm2) between groups, HFS/HFS+ mice had greater marrow adipocyte size (μm2) versus LF/LF mice; diet alteration, with and without transplanted “healthy” microbes, was able to partially attenuate increased marrow adipocyte size. CONCLUSIONS: A change in diet from HFS to LF led to reduced absolute FN strength compared to HFS/HFS+ and LF/LF mice, with no apparent effect from transplanted “healthy” gut microbes. LF/LF mice had greater relative femoral neck strength. Altering diet, with and without FMT’s, was sufficient to partially rescue the detrimental impacts of high fat, high sugar feeding on bone integrity.

Estimating Trunk and Neck Stabilization for Avoiding Head Impact during Real-World Falls in Older Adults.

In this work, we quantify the neck's involvement in stabilizing the head during falls in older adults to avoid head impacts. We tracked kinematics of 12 real-world backward falls in long-term care captured on video, where head impact was avoided. We estimated dynamic spring-dashpot parameters of the neck and hip representing active muscle activity and passive tissue structures. Neck stiffness, damping, and target posture averaged 24.00±6.17Nm/rad, 0.38±0.16Nms/rad, and 76.2±14.7° flexion respectively. The stiffness and target posture suggest that residents actively contracted their neck muscles to maintain the head upright. Our results shed light on the importance of neck strength for avoiding head impact during a fall.Clinical Relevance-Falls account for 80% of traumatic brain injuries in adults 65+ years. While upper limb bracing can reduce the risk of head impacts during a fall in young adults, this protective response is less effective in older adults living in longterm care. Understanding how the neck and torso musculature are used to avoid head impact can guide the design of therapeutic exercise programs and assistive or protective devices.

Composite Indices of Femoral Neck Strength in Middle-Aged Inactive Subjects Vs Former Football Players

The purpose of this study was to compare composite indices of femoral neck strength ((compression strength index [CSI], bending strength index [BSI], and impact strength index [ISI]) in inactive middle-aged men (n = 20) and middle-aged former football players (n = 15). 35 middle-aged men participated in this study. Body composition and bone variables were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Composite indices of femoral neck strength (CSI, BSI, and ISI) were calculated. Handgrip strength, vertical jump, maximum power of the lower limbs (watts), horizontal jump, maximal half-squat strength, maximal bench-press strength, sprint performance (10 meters), and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max, ml/min/kg) were evaluated using validated tests. CSI, BSI, and ISI were significantly higher in football players compared to inactive men. Vertical jump, horizontal jump, maximal half-squat strength, VO2 max and sprint performance were significantly different between the 2 groups. CSI, BSI, and ISI remained significantly higher in football players compared to inactive men after adjusting for physical activity level. The current study suggests that former football practice is associated with higher composite indices of femoral neck strength in middle-aged men.

SUN-369 Different Association of Dietary Fat Intake with Femoral Neck Strength According to Gender: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Purpose: Despite the general belief that higher fat intake may be harmful for bone health, its impact on bone strength has not been thoroughly studied. Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study derived from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, including 2,590 participants. Composite indices of femoral neck strength, such as the compression strength index (CSI), bending strength index (BSI), and impact strength index (ISI), were generated by combining bone mineral density, body mass, and height with the femoral axis length and width. Results: Dietary fat intake (%) was inversely related to CSI and ISI in men, but not in women. Men in the highest three fat intake quintiles had lower CSI, BSI, and/or ISI than those in the lowest quintile (P=0.003–0.024). In women, compared with participants in the third fat intake quintile, those in the other four quintiles had lower CSI, BSI, and/or ISI (P=0.004–0.049). When the participants were allocated to three groups according to the dietary reference intake of fat in Koreans [low (<15%), moderate (15–30%), or high (≥30%)], men with a moderate or high fat intake had significantly lower ISIs than those with a low fat intake (P=0.046 and 0.039, respectively). By contrast, compared with women consuming a moderate amount of fat, those with a high intake had lower CSI, BSI, and ISI (P = 0.025–0.047). Conclusion: These findings suggest that higher fat intake in men and low or high fat intake in women may contribute to deteriorations in bone strength.