Abstract

Sixty-one males aged 55 a and over, who participated in the 1978 National Senior Clay Court Tennis Championships, were studied. Anthropometric and bone measurements of the dominant (playing) limb were compared with those of the nondominant limb. Photon absorptiometry with I-125 as the radioactive source was used to measure mineral content in the radius, ulna and humerus. Right andleft handwrist radiographs were also taken so that the second and third metacarpals could be compared on the dominant versus the nondominant side. The mean age of the subjects was 64 a. The average length of regular tennis participation was 40 a. The volume and circumference of the hand and forearm were significantly greater in the dominant limb. Bone width and mineral content of the ulna, radius and humerus were greater on the dominant side. The length, total area, and cortical cross-sectional area of matecarpal II and III were significantly greater on the dominant side. However, skinfold thickness was not significantly different on the two sides. Verf.-Referat