Long-term Effect of Exercise on Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition in Post-Menopausal Ex-Elite Athletes: A Retrospective Study.
Résumé
Objective: Aim of this retrospective study was to determine the long-term effect of exercise on bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and body composition (BC) in post-menopausal women who were elite athletes during youth compared with sedentary controls. Design: A Retrospective Study. Setting: Outpatient clinic. Subjects & Methods: Forty-eight post-menopausal women (54 to 73 years of age) were enrolled. The ex-elite athletes with long-term (>20 years) histories of significant training and performance were divided into two groups: weight-bearing sports (runners, n=12) and non-weight-bearing sports (swimmers, n=12). The athletes were age-matched with sedentary controls (n=24). BMD, BMC and BC were measured by DXA. Health care and sport activity histories were evaluated by questionnaire. Results: No significant differences were found for body weight, height, BMI and hours of activity between the two groups of athletes. There were no significant differences in activity levels between athletes and controls at the time of this study. BMD and BMC were not significantly different between athletes; they were significantly higher in athletes versus controls (p<0.001). Though the ex-athletes did not significantly differ in BC, left and right lean arm mass and arm BMD were significantly higher in swimmers than runners (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The high level of physical activity observed in female athletes is associated with improved muscle mass, BMD, and BMC, and physical activity in youth appears to have a beneficial effect on bone mass to prevent bone loss with aging.
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