Establishing normative ranges for Bone Mineral Density outcomes in female team sport athletes

Establishing normative ranges for Bone Mineral Density in female team sport athletes
Purpose: It is common that female athlete cohorts generally have higher bone density compared to non-athletic controls or typical reference populations. However, activity specific reference databases are required to identify athletes who have comparatively low BMD within their sport, as this may highlight increased risk of stress fractures or occurrences of low energy availability.
Method: A secondary data analysis of three female team sport cohorts (cricket, rugby league, netball, n=103) will be completed from previous dual x-ray absorptiometry scans (Lunar iDXA, GE Medical Systems). Bone mineral density (total, lumbar spine [L1-L4], total hip and neck of femur) will be analysed alongside age, mass, stature, and fat free lean mass.
Results: Data is yet to be analysed.
Conclusion: Sport specific ranges will inform improved practice to enable early identification of athletes at present risk or stress fracture or low energy availability outcomes as well as future risk of osteoporosis or fracture with ageing.