Factors related with calcaneal bone mineral density in female collegiate athletes

Abstract

 The purpose of this study was to compare calcaneal bone mineral density (CBMD) between female collegiate athletes and controls and to examine the relationship between CBMD and physical characteristics, maximal oxygen uptake, and nutrient and dietary intake. The subjects were 16 tennis players, 30 volleyball players, and 45 controls. CMBD was measured using quantitative ultrasound.
 The tennis and volleyball players showed significantly higher mean CBMD than that of the controls. The results did not change even after the mean values were adjusted for body height.
 CBMD was significantly correlated with body height, body weight, lean body mass, and maximal oxygen uptake, but was not correlate with nutrient and dietary intake. Thus, in the present study, CBMD was more closely related to physical characteristics than nutrient and dietary intake.