Distal radius geometry and skeletal strength indices after peripubertal artistic gymnastics

Abstract

Summary-Development of optimal skeletal strength should decrease adult bone fragility. Nongymnasts (NON) were compared with girls exposed to gymnastics during growth (EX/GYM), using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) to evaluate postmenarcheal bone geometry, density, and strength. Pre-and perimenarcheal gymnastic loading yields advantages in indices of postmenarcheal bone geometry and skeletal strength.

Agreement between pQCT- and DXA-derived indices of bone geometry, density, and theoretical strength in females of varying age, maturity, and physical activity

“…It is possible that shortcomings in the cortical volumetric BMD assumption compounded this phenomenon via both inadequacy of the categorical Tanner stage-based volumetric BMD and assumption of equal volumetric BMD in gymnasts and nongymnasts. Although previous work by our group and Ward and colleagues did not detect significant gymnastic exposure differences in cortical volumetric BMD, (15,16) Eser and colleagues reported a significantly lower cortical volumetric BMD in ex-gymnasts relative to nongymnasts. (17) If ex/gymnasts do, in fact, have lower cortical volumetric BMD than nongymnasts, this would result in deflation of derived CWT and inflation of derived IMCSA in ex/gymnasts.…”

Site-specific, adult bone benefits attributed to loading during youth: A preliminary longitudinal analysis

“…In a longitudinal analysis of ex-gymnasts from our own cohort, loading-associated benefits in bone mass and area for distal radius metaphysis and diaphysis sites were evident across growth, including data extending 4–9 years post-retirement. (15) These studies and our current results provide evidence that gymnast skeletal advantages at multiple sites, acquired during childhood and adolescent participation, are likely maintained after gymnastics cessation and into adulthood. Further study, evaluating a larger number of subjects with variable loading profiles at different maturity phases will provide additional information regarding loading-related bone acquisition and maintenance.…”

Non-elite gymnastics participation is associated with greater bone strength, muscle size, and function in pre- and early pubertal girls

“…In addition to the positive association with bone strength, previous studies of artistic gymnasts training for six or more hours per week also show benefits associated with a higher strength/weight index [35][36][37]. This index estimates the risk of fracture from a low trauma fall based on bone strength relative to body weight and limb length [24].…”