2014 Student Research Conference:
27th Annual Student Research Conference

Evaluation of Bone Density in Male and Female College Varsity Athletes Who Use Different Motions for their Sport
Jill C. Pohlman*, Tori J. Ogden, Danielle L. Rhubart, Ciara M. Shoff, Jordan R. Beckett, Matthew B. Bowden, and Cody W. Gardner
Dr. Jerry Mayhew, Faculty Mentor

This studys purpose was to evaluate the difference in bone density (BD) between upper-extremity and lower-extremity sport athletes. Division II athletes (19 M, 19 F) for softball, baseball, soccer, and swimming were assigned to categories of arm-dominant (AD), leg-dominant (LD), or both (BD) and evaluated for BD density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). There was a significant difference (p = 0.04) between BD of the right and left arms of all athletes, but no significant difference between bilateral leg BD. AD athletes had significantly lower overall BD than LD or BD athletes. Swimmers had significantly lower BD than the other sports. Men had significantly greater BD than women. The greater right side BD might reflect a limb dominance effect due to mechanical stress on bone development. Likewise, the lower BD in swimmers may be due to a buoyance effect of water not providing the mechanical stress necessary for bone remodeling.

Keywords: Arm-Dominant, Leg-Dominant, Bone Density, DXA

Topic(s):Exercise Science
Athletic Training

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: 8-9
Location: GEO - SUB
Time: 3:30

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