29th Annual Student Research Conference
Effect of Physical Activity on Bone Density in College Males and Females
Lauren E. Houk*, Mitchell L. Nichols, Abagail M. Meyer, Taranjit K. Sohal, and Olivia R. Simpson
Dr. Jerry Mayhew and Prof. Jana Arabas, Faculty Mentors
Bone density is affected by a variety of factors, not the least of which is physical activity. Intense levels of activity in athletes is purported to enhance BMD. The purpose of this study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) between college athletes and non-athlete. Males (14 athlete; 14 non-athlete) and females (17 athlete and 17 non-athlete) participants (ages 18-22 yrs) had BMD determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Non-athletes were chosen based on similar height and weight compared to athletes. A gender x group ANOVA showed that men (1.265 +/- 0.144 g/cc) had significantly greater BMD than women (1.125 +/- 0.113 g/cc) and athletes (1.218 +/- 0.156 g/cc) had significantly greater BMD than nonathletes (1.158 +/- 0.129 g/cc). The gender x group interaction was not significant. The greater stress loading of athletic training on the skeleton appears to enhance BMD in both men and women.
Keywords: Bone Density, DEXA, athletes, Physical Activity
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-4
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30