Abstract

We studied the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and history of habitual exercise in a group of students comprising 41 athletes and 39 non-athletes (18-28 yr). Their athletic history during elementary, junior and senior high school was surveyed. Subjects who had engaged in athletic activities more than 3 d/wk for more than 2 years at each school level were classified as a former physically active group, the others were classified as controls. The BMD of the femur and vertebrae (L 2-4) was measured using dual-photon absorptiometry with a 153Gd source. Results: 1) University athletes showed significantly higher BMD of the femur and L 2-4 than non-athletes. 2) No significant difference was found for either sex between the physically active group on elementary school days and the control group with regard to BMD of the femur and L 2-4. 3) The BMD of the femoral neck and trochanteric region in the male physically active group on junior high school days was significantly higher than that in the control group. The BMD of the femoral neck in the female physically active group on junior high school days was significantly higher than that in the control group. 4) The BMD of the femur and L 2-4 in the female physically active group on senior high school days was significantly higher than that in the control group, whereas no difference was found between these two groups for males. Results suggest that regular exercise during puberty is effective for increasing BMD, especially in females. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)