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Bone mineral density in weight lifters

M K Karlsson1, O Johnell, K J Obrant

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.

Calcified Tissue International
|March 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Intense weightlifting significantly increases bone mineral density (BMD) in athletes compared to non-athletes. These bone benefits persist long-term, even after retirement from competitive sports.

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Orthopedics
  • Bone Physiology

Background:

  • Elite male weightlifters undergo intense physical training impacting bone mineral content (BMC) and soft tissue composition.
  • Understanding the long-term effects of training cessation on bone health in athletes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of intense physical training on bone mineral density (BMD) in elite male weightlifters.
  • To examine the changes in BMD after cessation of an active career.
  • To compare BMD in weightlifters with age- and sex-matched non-weightlifters.

Main Methods:

  • Bone mineral density (BMD) measured using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and single photon absorptiometry (SPA).
  • Study included 40 elite male weightlifters (19 active, 21 retired) and 52 non-weightlifter controls.
  • Longitudinal measurements using SPA from 1975 compared with current DXA measurements.

Main Results:

  • Weightlifters exhibited significantly higher BMD in total body, trochanteric region, and lumbar spine compared to controls (P < 0.001).
  • Bone mass was significantly higher in most measured regions in weightlifters versus controls.
  • Longitudinal data showed significant correlations between BMD measurements taken 15 years apart.

Conclusions:

  • Intense weightlifting training leads to substantial and lasting increases in bone mineral density.
  • The positive effects on bone health appear to be maintained even after retirement from competitive weightlifting.
  • Weightlifting is associated with enhanced bone mass accrual and preservation.

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