Bone mineral density in lifelong trained male football players compared with young and elderly untrained men

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the present controlled cross-sectional study was to investigate proximal femur and whole-body bone mineral density (BMD), as well as bone turnover profile, in lifelong trained elderly male football players and young elite football players compared with untrained age-matched men.MethodsOne hundred and forty healthy, non-smoking men participated in the study, including lifelong trained football players (FTE, n = 35) aged 65–80 years, elite football players (FTY, n = 35) aged 18–30 years, as well as untrained age-matched elderly (UE, n = 35) and young (UY, n = 35) men. All participants underwent a regional dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan of the proximal femur and a whole-body DXA scan to determine BMD. From a resting blood sample, the bone turnover markers (BTMs) osteocalcin, carboxy-terminal type-1 collagen crosslinks (CTX-1), procollagen type-1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and sclerostin were measured.ResultsFTE had 7.3%–12.9% higher (p < 0.05) BMD of the femoral neck, wards, shaft, and total proximal femur in both legs compared to UE, and 9.3%–9.7% higher (p < 0.05) BMD in femoral trochanter in both legs compared to UY. FTY had 24.3%–37.4% higher (p < 0.001) BMD in all femoral regions and total proximal femur in both legs compared to UY. The whole-body DXA scan confirmed these results, with FTE showing similar whole-body BMD and 7.9% higher (p < 0.05) leg BMD compared to UY, and with FTY having 9.6% higher (p < 0.001) whole-body BMD and 18.2% higher (p < 0.001) leg BMD compared to UY. The plasma concentration of osteocalcin, CTX-1, and P1NP were 29%, 53%, and 52% higher (p < 0.01), respectively, in FTY compared to UY.ConclusionBMD of the proximal femur and whole-body BMD are markedly higher in lifelong trained male football players aged 65–80 years and young elite football players aged 18–30 years compared to age-matched untrained men. Elderly football players even show higher BMD in femoral trochanter and leg BMD than untrained young despite an age difference of 47 years.

Recreational football is medicine against non‐communicable diseases: A systematic review

“…The results from the reviewed studies showed that there is a beneficial relationship between football practice and bone health (Table ) in children, adolescents, adults, and older adults . Among children and adolescents, a 10‐month to 1‐year intervention significantly improves bone mineralization, bone mineral content, and bone stiffness .…”

“…Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures . The reviewed studies demonstrated a positive and significant association between bone health and RF among adolescents, adults, and older adults.…”

“…Bone is a tissue that remodels during the course of life. Although skeletal characteristics are influenced by genetic factors, a healthy lifestyle including appropriate nutrition and regular physical activity helps to improve bone health, prevent age‐related bone loss, and strengthen weak bone …”

“…For adults, football is also an osteogenic activity and can improve bone health while reducing the risk of age‐related bone loss and osteoporosis . For older adults, among other health outcomes, it can be a preventive strategy to reduce the risk of hospitalization because of traumas and fractures …”

“…The results from the reviewed studies 15,16,[39][40][41][42][43][44][45] showed that there is a beneficial relationship between football practice and bone health ( Table 5) in children, 42 adolescents, 45 adults, 15,41,44 and older adults. 16,39,40 Among children and adolescents, a 10-month to 1-year intervention significantly improves bone mineralization, bone mineral content, and bone stiffness. 42,45 The effect of football on bone health was more pronounced than in other activities such as swimming and cycling.…”