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