Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2025
Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
Published on: July 17, 2020
Male Runners With Lower Energy Availability Have Impaired Skeletal Integrity Compared to Nonathletes
Melanie S Haines1,2, Snimarjot Kaur1,2, Geetanjali Scarff1
1Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Context:
Female athletes, particularly runners, with insufficient caloric intake for their energy expenditure [low energy availability (EA) or relative energy deficiency] are at risk for impaired skeletal integrity. Data are lacking in male runners.
Objective:
To determine whether male runners at risk for energy deficit have impaired bone mineral density (BMD), microarchitecture, and estimated strength.
Design:
Cross-sectional.
Setting:
Clinical research center.
Participants:
39 men (20 runners, 19 controls), ages 16-30 years.
Main Outcome Measures:
Areal BMD (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry); tibia and radius volumetric BMD and microarchitecture (high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography); failure load (microfinite element analysis); serum testosterone, estradiol, leptin; energy availability.
Results:
Mean age (24.5 ± 3.8 y), lean mass, testosterone, and estradiol levels were similar; body mass index, percent fat mass, leptin, and lumbar spine BMD Z-score (-1.4 ± 0.8 vs -0.8 ± 0.8) lower (P < .05); and calcium intake and running mileage higher (P ≤ .01) in runners vs controls. Runners with EA
Conclusions:
Despite weight-bearing activity, skeletal integrity is impaired in male runners with lower caloric intake relative to exercise energy expenditure, which may increase bone stress injury risk. Lower estradiol and lean mass are associated with lower tibial strength in runners.
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