Bone health in Norwegian female elite runners: A cross-sectional, controlled study

Abstract

Objective The primary objective was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) in Norwegian female elite long-distance runners with a control group of inactive females. Secondary objectives were to identify cases of low BMD, to compare the concentration of bone turnover markers, vitamin D and symptoms of low energy availability (LEA) between the groups, and to identify possible associations between BMD and selected variables. Methods Fifteen runners and fifteen controls were included. Assessments included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurement of BMD in the total body, lumbar spine and dual proximal femur. Blood samples included endocrine analyses and circulating bone turnover markers. The risk of LEA was assessed through a questionnaire. Results Runners had higher Z-scores in the dual proximal femur (1.30 (0.20 to 1.80) vs 0.20 (-0.20 to 0.80), p<0.021) and total body (1.70 (1.20 to 2.30) vs 0.90 (0.80 to 1.00), p<0.001). The lumbar spine Z-score was similar between groups (0.10 (-0.70 to 0.60) vs -0.10(-0.50 to 0.50), p=0.983). Three runners had low BMD (Z-score