Bone metabolism and bone quality differences between female lacrosse players competing in different leagues

Abstract

We investigated the differences in bone metabolism and quality between female university students on Division 1 (H) and Division 4 (L) lacrosse teams. The participants were 67 female university lacrosse players. We examined physical characteristics (height, weight, BMI, age, body fat), the osteo-sono assessment index (OSI), bone formation markers (BAP), bone resorption markers (S-NTx and TRACP-5b), and collagen cross-link markers (homocysteine and pentosidine). No significant difference was observed in the physical characteristics between the H and L groups. The H group showed significantly higher OSI than the L group (p<0.01). Furthermore, the H group had significantly lower BAP levels than the L group (p<0.01). No significant differences were observed for S-NTx or TRACP-5b levels. Although the homocysteine levels in the H group were significantly higher than those in the L group (p<0.01), no significant difference was observed for pentosidine levels. The results may indicate that bone formation was deteriorating and bone quality was degrading in females in the H group. Thus, it is important to determine not only bone strength by quantitative ultrasound but also dynamic states of bone metabolism and bone quality to prevent stress fractures, particularly in Division 1 athletes.