EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON BONE DENSITY

Authors

K Stone
D Brocksmith
S Burns

Abstract

K. Stone, D. Brocksmith, and S. Burns; University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg MO

Having a high bone density is important to reduce the risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of different modes of exercise on bone mineral density (BMD). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine which type of exercise may be most effective in increasing BMD (football vs. swimming). METHODS: Participants were 15 male football players and 8 male swimmers. The subjects total was measured by using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA, Lunar Prodigy, GE) machine in the Human Performance Lab on the campus of the University of Central Missouri. RESULTS: The results were that the average BMD of football players (1.42g/cm² ± 0.08g/cm²) was higher than the average BMD of the swimmers (1.25g/cm² ± 0.10g/cm²) with a P value of < 0.05. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that athletes who participate in high-impact exercise weight bearing (football players) have a higher bone density than athletes who participate in low-impact non-weight bearing exercise (swimmers).

Recommended Citation

Stone, K; Brocksmith, D; and Burns, S (2013) "EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON BONE DENSITY," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 11: Iss. 1, Article 23.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol11/iss1/23