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Bone status in elite male runners
Wolfgang Kemmler1, Klaus Engelke, Heiko Baumann
1Institute of Medical Physics, University of Erlangen, Henkestrasse 91, 91052, Erlangen, Germany. wolfgang.kemmler@imp.uni-erlangen.de
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|November 25, 2005
Summary
Long distance runners show higher bone mineral density (BMD) at loaded skeletal sites compared to controls. Running volume did not significantly correlate with BMD in elite male runners, indicating running is not detrimental to bone health.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Bone Physiology
Background:
- Bone health is crucial for athletes, particularly in endurance sports.
- Understanding the impact of high-volume running on bone parameters is essential for injury prevention and performance optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bone parameters in elite male long-distance runners versus age- and BMI-matched controls.
- To investigate the relationship between running volume and bone parameters in these athletes.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray (DXA), quantitative computed tomography, and quantitative ultrasound were used to measure bone parameters.
- Body composition and nutritional intake were assessed.
- Training variables were collected via questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Runners exhibited significantly higher bone mineral density (BMD) at loaded skeletal sites (e.g., calcaneus, femoral neck, pelvis) compared to controls.
- BMD at nonloaded sites was not significantly different between groups.
- A weak, nonsignificant association between training volume and femoral neck BMD was observed, disappearing after adjustments.
Conclusions:
- Long-distance running does not appear to have a deleterious effect on bone parameters in elite male runners.
- Loaded skeletal sites benefit from the mechanical stress of running, showing increased BMD.