ResearchPage 97 ABSTRACT Introduction: Sports can positively influence body health, however expose the athletes also to risks of repetitive trauma, in particular brain trauma. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effects of different sports on glucose metabolism, lipid profile, insulin resistance (HOMA-r) and sensitivity (QUICKI), body composition, bone mass and mineralization (DEXA), bone quality (SOS and BTT), bone metabolism (PiNP, CTX, COMP, DKK1 and sclerostin) vascular structure and function (IMT and FMD) and on the presence of anti-pituitary and anti-hypothalamus antibodies. A health score was also calculated. Patients: We evaluated 80 athletes practicing alpine skiing (#19), ice-hockey (#21), rugby (#20) and swimming (#20). Results: Swimmers showed the highest triglycerides values (p<0.05). Glucose was more elevated in the rugby players (p<0.05) than in skiers and swimmers and insulin also higher in swimmers (p<0.05) than in rugby and hockey players. HOMA-r and QUICKI were significantly higher and lower respectively in swimmers (p<0.05) compared to the hockey players. DKK1 was significantly higher in the hockey players (p<0.05) compared to skiers and swimmers. FMD was significantly higher in hockey (p<0.05) and rugby players (p<0.05) compared to swimmers. Bone quality (BTT) was better in the skiers (p<0.05) compared to the hockey players. Antihypothalamus antibodies were not different among groups, while anti-pituitary antibody were significantly more frequent in the hockey players compared to swimmers (p<0.05). The health score was more advantageous in the skiers group. Conclusion: Different sports exert distinct effects. Altogether, alpine skiing seems to produce the most benefits, in particular, because of the positive effects on bone and cardiovascular function.

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