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Physical activity, body composition and bone density in ballet dancers

W D van Marken Lichtenbelt1, M Fogelholm, R Ottenheijm

  • 1Department of Human Biology, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

The British Journal of Nutrition
|October 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Female ballet dancers exhibit higher bone mineral density (BMD) despite factors like lower body mass and later menarche. High levels of weight-bearing activity likely contribute to these strong bone health results.

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Science
  • Orthopedics
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for skeletal health and is influenced by various factors.
  • Ballet dancers undergo intense physical training, potentially impacting bone health.
  • Understanding BMD determinants in elite athletes like ballet dancers is important for injury prevention and long-term health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate factors influencing bone mineral density (BMD) in female ballet dancers.
  • To compare BMD and body composition of ballet dancers with reference populations.
  • To identify relationships between training history, calcium intake, body composition, and BMD.

Main Methods:

  • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for BMD and bone mineral content.

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  • Dietary records for calcium intake assessment.
  • Body composition analysis using underwater weighing (UWW) and four-component (4C) models.
  • Questionnaires for training history and menarche age.

    • Main Results:

    • Ballet dancers had lower BMI and body fat percentage but comparable fat-free mass compared to controls.
    • Mean total body BMD (TBMD) was 6% higher in dancers than a reference population, particularly in weight-bearing leg and pelvic regions.
    • BMD was positively correlated with BMI and negatively with age of menarche; leg BMD also correlated with training duration.

    Conclusions:

    • Female ballet dancers demonstrate relatively high BMD, potentially due to high-impact, weight-bearing training.
    • Factors like low body mass and late menarche, typically associated with lower BMD, did not negatively impact dancers' bone health.
    • The study highlights the significant role of intense physical activity in maintaining high bone mineral density in this athletic population.