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Bone mineral density in professional ballet dancers
M K Karlsson1, O Johnell, K J Obrant
1Department of Orthopaedics, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Bone and Mineral
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Professional ballet dancers exhibit distinct bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition compared to controls. While dancers have lower body mass index and fat, their lean body mass remains similar, with specific BMD variations in lower extremities and hips.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Professional ballet dancers undergo rigorous physical training impacting bone health and body composition.
- Understanding these adaptations is crucial for monitoring dancer well-being and preventing injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of professional ballet training on bone mineral density (BMD) and soft tissue composition.
- To compare active and retired dancers with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) measured using Lunar DPX and single-photon absorptiometry (SPA) in 42 dancers and 42 controls.
- Body composition analyzed for body mass index (BMI), fat content, and lean body mass.
- Analysis of covariance used to adjust for BMI differences.
Main Results:
- Dancers had lower BMI and fat content but similar lean body mass compared to controls.
- No significant overall BMD difference, except lower head BMD in male dancers and arm BMD in female dancers.
- After BMI adjustment, female dancers showed higher BMD in lower extremities, and male dancers in the hip.
Conclusions:
- Ballet training influences body composition and specific BMD sites, with potential benefits in lower extremities and hips after accounting for BMI.
- Longitudinal bone density measurements showed no correlation over 15 years, suggesting training effects may not be cumulative in this manner.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term skeletal implications of professional dancing.