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High-impact loading training induces bone hyperresorption activity in young elite female gymnasts
1Laboratoire de la Performance Motrice, Orleans University, France.
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|February 28, 2001
Summary
Intensive exercise in young female gymnasts stimulates bone resorption, indicated by higher CrossLaps (CTx) levels. This bone hyperresorption, alongside increased bone mineral density (BMD), suggests higher bone turnover in these athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Bone Physiology
Background:
- Elite young female athletes, particularly gymnasts, undergo intense physical training.
- Understanding the impact of such training on bone health and turnover is crucial for long-term skeletal integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of intensive exercise on bone turnover, specifically bone resorption, in young elite female gymnasts.
- To compare bone turnover markers and bone mineral density between gymnasts and non-athlete controls.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for bone mineral density (BMD) and volumetric density (BMAD).
- Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) to measure speed of sound (SOS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) at the calcaneus.
- Biochemical analysis of urinary androstenedione (delta4), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and CrossLaps (CTx) as markers of bone turnover.
Main Results:
- Gymnasts exhibited significantly higher BMD and BMAD at most sites, and higher SOS compared to controls.
- Urinary delta4 levels were lower in gymnasts, while CTx levels were significantly higher (989.08 vs. 580.25 microg/mmol Cr.).
- CTx levels decreased with Tanner stage but remained higher in gymnasts across all stages.
Conclusions:
- Gymnastics training appears to stimulate bone resorption activity in highly-trained young females.
- The combination of increased bone resorption (hyperresorption) and higher bone mineral density in gymnasts suggests enhanced bone turnover, leading to greater bone density.