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Bone densitometry: applications in sports-medicine
1Abteilung fur Radiologie und Nuklearmedizin, Universitatsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universitat Berlin, Germany. felsenberg@ukbf.fu-berlin.de
European Journal of Radiology
|October 27, 1998
Summary
Physical activity impacts bone health, with high-impact sports like sprinting and weightlifting enhancing bone density. Endurance activities offer muscle conditioning but not bone mass increases, and excessive training can cause fractures.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Orthopedics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Physical exercise and sports are known to influence muscular mass and bone remodeling.
- The impact of different sports on bone health varies significantly based on type and intensity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between different types of physical activities and their effects on bone mass and density.
- To clarify the controversial effects of endurance activities on bone health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on the effects of various sports and physical activities on bone mineral density.
- Analysis of studies differentiating between high-performance, endurance, and weight-bearing exercises.
Main Results:
- High-performance activities (sprint, tennis, weightlifting) are associated with increased bone mineral density.
- Endurance activities (swimming, cycling, walking) promote muscle conditioning but not bone mass.
- Excessive physical exertion can lead to fatigue fractures, and hormonal dysregulation in female athletes may cause low bone mass.
Conclusions:
- The type and quality of sport are critical determinants of bone mass and remodeling.
- While high-impact sports benefit bone density, endurance activities have limited impact on bone mass.
- Overtraining and specific physiological factors can negatively affect bone health, particularly in female athletes.