Evaluation of the bone status in high-level cyclists

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Endocrinology

Background:

• High-intensity training and competition in professional cycling may impact bone health.
• Understanding bone mineral density (BMD) and metabolism in athletes is crucial for injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the bone status of highly trained professional cyclists.
• To assess bone mineral density (BMD) and key bone metabolism markers in this population.

Main Methods:

• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure BMD at various skeletal sites.
• Blood samples were analyzed for biochemical markers of bone turnover, vitamin D, hormones, and growth factors.
• 29 professional cyclists participated in the study.

Main Results:

• Lumbar spine BMD Z-scores were significantly lower than normal (mean Z-score = -1.28), with 25% of cyclists showing abnormally low values.
• Femoral neck BMD was within normal limits, but the total femur showed lower Z-scores (mean = -1.22), with 45% below -2.
• Midradius BMD had the lowest Z-scores (mean = -1.77), though only 15% were below -2. Bone formation markers and most hormones were normal, but low vitamin D levels were observed in some athletes. Insulin-like growth factor 1 showed an inverse correlation with lumbar BMD.

Conclusions:

• Professional cycling does not positively influence BMD, with lumbar spine BMD often being lower than in controls.
• The reduced loading from the cycling posture may explain the lack of beneficial effects on spinal bone.
• Increased vigilance regarding the bone status of elite cyclists is necessary to mitigate fracture risks.