Original articles  OTHER AREAS
(Biochemistry, Immunology, Kinanthropometry, Neurology, Neurophysiology, Ophtalmology, Pharmacology, Phlebology, etc.) 

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2009 December;49(4):474-9

Copyright © 2010 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Relationships between areal bone mineral density and jumping height in pubertal girls with different physical activity patterns

Gruodyté R. ¹, Jürimäe J. ¹, Saar M. ¹, Maasalu M. ³, Jürimäe T. ¹ ✉

¹ Faculty of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Institute of Sport Pedagogy and Coaching Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; ² Department of Physical Education, Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education, Sporto 6, Kaunas, Lithuania; ³ Clinics of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Medical Faculty, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between jumping height and bone mineral density (BMD) at femoral METHODS: The participants were 202 adolescent girls aged 13-15 years comprising six groups: controls (N.=43); sport games (N.=56); track sprint (N.=25); rhythmic gymnastics (N.=29); swimming (N.=32); and cross-country skiing (N.=17). Body height, sitting height, and body mass were measured. Predicted age at peak height velocity (APHV), biological maturity age (years from APHV), and pubertal status by Tanner (1962) of the participants was estimated. Femoral neck and lumbar spine (L2-L4) BMD was measured by DXA. The height of vertical jumps, i.e., countermovement jump (CMJ), and rebound jumps for 15 (RJ15s) and 30 (RJ30s) seconds was obtained.
RESULTS: RJ15s and RJ30s tests characterized best BMD at lumbar spine and femoral neck in high-impact (i.e., gymnasts and sport games) groups. Vertical jump tests had no significant correlation with measured areal BMD values in physically inactive controls, low-impact (i.e., swimmers and cross-country skiers) and moderate-impact (i.e., sprinters) groups.
CONCLUSIONS: BMD at femoral neck appears to be more sensitive to the mechanical loading compared to the BMD at lumbar spine. Repeated jumps tests (RJ15s and RJ30s) characterize bone development better than single maximal jump (CMJ) test in pubertal girls.