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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #290092
Title: Bone mineral density in elite adolescent female figure skaters

Author
item PRELACK, KATHY - Shriners Hospital For Children
item DWYER, JOHANA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item ZEIGLER, PAULA - Pfizer, Inc
item KEHAYIAS, JOSEPH - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2012 (JISSN)
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/2012
Publication Date: 12/27/2012
Citation: Prelack, K., Dwyer, J., Zeigler, P., Kehayias, J. 2012. Bone Mineral Density in Elite Adolescent female figure skaters. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2012 (JISSN). DOI: 10.1186/1550-2783-9-57.

Interpretive Summary: Elite female adolescent figure skaters must accommodate both the physical demands of competitive training and the accelerated rate of bone growth that is associated with adolescence. Although, these athletes apparently have sufficient physical activity to develop healthy bones, it is possible that other factors such as very low fat mass can compromise the growth and strength of bones. We studied differences in total and regional bone density among 36 nationally ranked skaters among 3 skater disciplines: single, pairs, and dancers. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using a modern x-ray method called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. After controlling for their diet, calcium and vitamin D intake, we found a significant relationship between skater discipline and BMD, with single skaters having greater BMD in the total body, legs and pelvis. Pair skaters had greater pelvic BMD than ice dancers. Single and pair skaters have greater BMD than ice dancers. The bone building effect of physical training is most apparent in single skaters, particularly in the bone loading sites of the leg and pelvis.

Technical Abstract: Elite adolescent figure skaters must accommodate both the physical demands of competitive training and the accelerated rate of bone growth that is associated with adolescence. Although, these athletes apparently undergo sufficient physical activity to develop healthy bones, it is possible that other factors such as low fat mass can compromise the growth and strength of bones. We studied differences in total and regional bone density among 36 nationally ranked skaters among 3 skater disciplines: single, pairs, and dancers. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using a modern X-ray method called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The skaters had a mean body % fat of 19.2+/- 5.8. After controlling for their diet, calcium and vitamin D intake, we found a significant relationship between skater discipline and BMD, with single skaters having greater BMD in the total body, legs and pelvis. Pair skaters had greater pelvic BMD than ice dancers. Single and pair skaters have greater BMD than ice dancers. The bone building effect of physical training is most apparent in single skaters, particularly in the bone loading sites if the leg and pelvis