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Indicators of bone formation in weight lifters
M K Karlsson1, P Vergnaud, P D Delmas
1Department of Orthopedics, Malmö General Hospital, Lund University, Sweden.
Calcified Tissue International
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Active weightlifters show increased bone formation markers like osteocalcin, suggesting physical activity boosts bone health. Retired athletes, however, do not exhibit these elevated markers compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Bone Metabolism
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Physical activity is crucial for bone turnover and preventing age-related bone loss.
- Weightlifting is known to positively impact bone mineral density.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of active weightlifting on bone formation markers.
- To compare bone formation in active lifters, ex-lifters, and sedentary controls.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of osteocalcin (bone Gla-protein, BGP), C-terminal procollagen peptide (PICP), alkaline phosphatase, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and serum calcium were measured.
- Participants included 19 active male weightlifters, 15 ex-lifters, and 38 age- and gender-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Active weightlifters had significantly higher serum osteocalcin (35%) and serum calcium (6%) compared to controls.
- No significant differences in bone formation markers were observed between ex-lifters and controls.
- Serum alkaline phosphatase and PICP levels did not differ among the groups.
Conclusions:
- Active weightlifters exhibit biochemical evidence of higher bone formation, complementing their known higher bone mineral density.
- Bone formation markers in retired athletes return to levels comparable to sedentary individuals.