Abstract

Above hormonal and dietary factors, such as caloric, protein and vitamins intake, mechanical stress can be considered of critical importance for the maintenance of bone trophism. Many studies have in fact shown the relationship between physical exercise and bone mineral content (BMC). Our group has previously noticed the existence of a very close link between these two factors in a group of young weightlifters during a cross-sectional investigation. In order of further examine this argument, we made a study on 26 beginner powerlifters, measuring their radius and ulna BMC, before and after 6 and 12 months of training. As a result both radius and ulna BMC have significantly (p<0.01) increased, by 13.5 and 15.6 respectively. In addition we found a striking correlation among muscle strength, by means of multiple regression analysis. In conclusion, the regular practice of weightlifting has proven to be beneficial for bone trophism in this longitudinal study: hence the proposal of this sport as a way to prevent bone demineralization naturally occurring with age. Verf.-Referat