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 L. 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