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Changes in bone mineral density of collegiate middle distance and long distance runners across an indoor season

Olson, Jordan T

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Science in Education, University of Akron, Physical Education-Exercise Physiology/Adult Fitness.
Bone mineral density (BMD) is an important aspect of bone health in endurance runners. Musculoskeletal overuse injuries to the bone, such as stress reactions and stress fractures, are of major concern to endurance runners and coaches because of the debilitating nature they have on training and performance. It is possible that a greater understanding of BMD in these athletes can lead to a reduction in stress injuries to bone. The purpose of this study was to determine if BMD in certain anatomical regions, especially that of the lower appendicular skeleton, changed over the course of an indoor track season and if there was any significant difference between middle distance and distance runners. Participants were scanned for BMD estimates before the start of the indoor track and field season and after the indoor track and field season. On both testing days they were asked to complete a questionnaire through which they self-identified into either a middle distance or long distance group and also through which they provided any recent history of musculoskeletal injuries. Among the BMD measure comparisons, it was found that a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) existed between middle distance and long distance runners when comparing pre-season to post-season changes of BMD in the legs. Additionally, the difference between pre-season and post-season values of total body BMD for male middle distance runners (p < 0.01) and the difference between pre-season and post-season values of leg BMD for male middle distance runners (p < 0.05) were both significant. Finally, statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.05) between the pre-season and post-season total body BMD values for female middle distance runners and statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.05) between the pre-season and post-season pelvis BMD values for female long distance runners. These statistical findings may not translate directly into practical application, but given the nature of the potentially precarious balance between the microstrain placed on bone and bone remodeling during a following endurance running, these results should at least be scrutinized closely.
Ronald Otterstetter, Dr. (Committee Chair)
Matt Juravich, Dr. (Committee Member)
Laura Richardson, Dr. (Committee Member)
Michelle Boltz, MS (Committee Member)

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Olson, J. T. (2016). Changes in bone mineral density of collegiate middle distance and long distance runners across an indoor season [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1469096419

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Olson, Jordan. Changes in bone mineral density of collegiate middle distance and long distance runners across an indoor season. 2016. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1469096419.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Olson, Jordan. "Changes in bone mineral density of collegiate middle distance and long distance runners across an indoor season." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1469096419

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)