Changes in Calcaneal Bone Status Before and After Competitive Season in Female Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the speed of sound (SOS) in the calcaneus using a quantitative ultrasound device before and after the competitive season in female collegiate athletes.Methods Thirty female collegiate athletes participated in the present study: 13 volleyball players, 9 tennis players and 8 karate practitioners. The SOS in the right calcaneus was measured using a quantitative ultrasound device and compared with the percentage of young adult mean. Dietary information was obtained with a food frequency questionnaire.Results After the training period, lean body mass significantly increased in volleyball players, whereas there were no significant changes in tennis players and karate practitioners. Calcium intake significantly decreased in the volleyball and tennis players, whereas it did not change significantly in the karate practitioners. Energy, and vitamin D and K intakes did not change significantly in all 3 groups. After the training period, the SOS and the percentage of young adult mean significantly increased in the volleyball and tennis players, whereas they did not change significantly in the karate practitioners. Key words quantitative ultrasound, speed of sound, calcaneal bone status, volleyball, tennis, karate Conclusion