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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Bone density and young athletic women. An update.
David L Nichols1, Charlotte F Sanborn, Eve V Essery
1Department of Kinesiology, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas 76204, USA. DNichols@mail.twu.edu
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|October 24, 2007
Summary
Female athletes generally have higher bone density, reducing fracture risk. However, the female athlete triad can negatively impact bone health, necessitating further research into nutritional needs.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Athletic participation offers significant physical and mental health benefits for girls and women.
- Benefits include reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved self-esteem, and enhanced bone health.
- Athletes typically exhibit greater bone mineral density than sedentary or active non-athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between sports training and bone mineral density in young female athletes.
- To examine the osteogenic effects of different types of physical activity.
- To discuss the potential impact of retiring from athletics on bone density.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sports participation and bone health in female athletes.
- Analysis of the impact of weight-bearing and impact-loading activities on bone mineral density.
- Discussion of factors influencing bone health, including nutrition, hormonal status, and the female athlete triad.
Main Results:
- Impact-loading sports demonstrate a superior osteogenic response compared to non-impact activities.
- Former athletes generally maintain higher bone density, though bone loss rates may be similar in certain areas.
- Nutritional status and hormonal factors can modulate the positive effects of sports on bone mass.
Conclusions:
- Sports participation positively influences bone mineral density in young women.
- The female athlete triad (low energy availability, amenorrhea, low bone mineral density) poses a risk to bone health.
- Further research is needed to determine optimal calcium intake for female athletes.
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