Relationship between bone mineral density and body compositions, strength, type of sport competition, vitamin D and birth-related factors in elite Polish track and field athletes: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the forearm bone mineral density (BMD) in Elite Competitive
Track and Field Athletes. Somatic, body composition, hand grip strength birth variables, and blood vitamin D levels were
also analyzed.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 30 elite Polish athletes. Somatic measurements, body
composition by kinanthropometry, and bioelectrical impedance were taken. Forearm bone parameters were measured by
densitometry in two points distal (dis) and proximal (prox). Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) on a dynamometer
was performed. Birth-related factors such as birth weight and length of breastfeeding were collected by direct interview.
Vitamin D concentration was assessed by blood test.
Results: Low BMD was not observed in the distal part of the forearm. Significantly more frequent low BMD prox were found
in endurance athletes (EA) group compared to throwing athletes group (TA) (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). Inadequate vitamin
D levels were significantly higher in the EA group compared to TA (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). The main parameters affecting
BMD dis and BMC prox of men athletes were HGS (kg) and type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .93; .89). BMC dis was
affected by the type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .83). There was also a significant relationship between the T-score prox
and the HGS (Rˆ2 adj= .98). In the case of women, the main parameters affecting BMD prox were menarche age and body
composition (Rˆ2 adj= .93). The BMC prox was affected by the age of the menarche (Rˆ2 adj= .73).
Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study found that the highest BMD of the forearm bones was characterized by men
and women athletes training in athletic throws relative to running sports. Screening assessment of bone mineral status
should be included in sports diagnostics.
