Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Skeletal Muscle Gender Dimorphism from Proteomics
Published on: December 14, 2011
Skeletal differences at the ulna and radius between pre-pubertal non-elite female gymnasts and non-gymnasts
L A Burt1, G A Naughton, D A Greene
1Centre of Physical Activity Across the Lifespan, Australian Catholic University, School of Exercise Science, Locked Bag 2002, Strathfield, NSW, Australia. lauren.burt@acu.edu.au
Objective:
To compare skeletal parameters between the ulna and radius in pre-pubertal non-elite gymnasts and non-gymnasts.
Methods:
Fifty-eight non-elite artistic gymnasts, aged 6-11 years, were compared with 28 non-gymnasts for bone mineral content (BMC), total and cortical bone area (ToA, CoA), trabecular and cortical volumetric density (TrD, CoD) and estimated bone strength (BSI and SSIp), obtained by pQCT at the distal and proximal forearm.
Results:
Gymnasts had greater estimated bone strength than non-gymnasts at both sites of the forearm. At the distal forearm, the gymnastics-induced skeletal benefits were greater at the radius than ulna (Z-scores for BMC, TrD and BSI +0.40 to +0.61 SD, p<0.05 vs. +0.15 to +0.48 SD, NS). At the proximal forearm, the skeletal benefits were greater at the ulna than the radius (Z-scores for BMC, ToA, CoA and SSIp +0.59 to +0.82 SD, p<0.01 vs. +0.35 (ToA) and +0.43 SD (SSIp), p<0.01).
Conclusion:
Skeletal benefits at the distal and proximal forearm emerged in young non-elite gymnasts. Benefits were larger when considering skeletal parameters at both the ulna and radius, than the radius alone as traditionally performed with pQCT. These findings suggest the ulna is worth investigating in future studies aiming to accurately quantify exercise-induced skeletal adaptations.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Signs of Puberty
Introduction to the Skeletal System
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
