32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Effect of Weight Bearing Sports on Bone Density in Collegiate Women
Madeline A. Bostick* and Taylor A. Lyles
Dr. Jerry Mayhew, Faculty Mentor
Bone density is affected by numerous factors, including the sport in which an athlete participates. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in bone mineral density (BMD) between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing sports in collegiate women. Female athletes (n = 63, age = 18.3-25.5 y) from basketball (n = 27), cross country (n = 18), and swimming (n = 18) underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning. Swimmers had a significantly lower BMD (1.105 ±0.068 g/cc) than cross-country runners (1.139±0.054 g/cc) and basketball players (1.291±0.111 g/cc). Female athletes who participate in weight bearing sports have a greater bone density than non-weight bearing sport athletes. Basketball players in particular have a greater BMD than non-weight bearing sports. Perhaps the more forceful loading of the skeleton during jumping facilitates BMD development.
Keywords: Bone Density, Collegiate Athletes, Weight-Bearing, Female Athletes
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 5-12
Location: SUB GEO
Time: 3:00