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Low bone mineral density in professional scuba divers.
J A Pereira Silva1, F Costa Dias, J E Fonseca
1Rheumatology Unit, Santa Maria Hospital, Av. Prof Egas Moniz, 1600, Lisbon, Portugal.
Clinical Rheumatology
|January 30, 2004
Summary
Scuba diving significantly reduces joint weight-bearing, similar to weightlessness. This study found reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in professional divers, suggesting diving alters bone metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Bone Metabolism
- Diving Medicine
Background:
- Scuba diving reduces effective weight by 90% and eliminates joint weight-bearing.
- Weightlessness in spaceflight and bed rest causes significant bone mass loss.
- The physiological effects of diving may impact bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of professional scuba diving on bone mineral density (BMD).
- To compare the BMD of professional divers with a control group of non-divers.
Main Methods:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in 66 professional scuba divers.
- A dual-photon densitometer was used for BMD measurements.
- A matched control group of non-divers was included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Professional scuba divers exhibited a reduction in BMD compared to non-divers.
- The unloading effect experienced during diving appears to alter bone metabolism.
- Findings suggest a link between scuba diving and decreased bone mineral density.
Conclusions:
- Scuba diving, due to its unloading effects, may lead to reduced bone mineral density.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term implications of diving on bone health.
- Diving activities should be considered in the context of potential bone metabolism alterations.