BONE DENSITOMETRY - APPLICATIONS IN SPORTS-MEDICINE

Physical exercise and sports increase muscular mass and the remodellin g process of bones. The increment of bone depends on the type and the quality of sport. Short-term high-performance activities such as sprin t, tennis. fencing lead to increased bone mineral density as well as w eight lifting or heavy athletics. Swimming, bicycling, walking are ass ociated with good musculature conditioning without an increase of bone mass. The effects on the bone by performing endurance activities are controversially discussed. Excessive sport leads to an increase of fat igue fractures. Low bone mass may result from hormonal disregulation i n female athletes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights r eserved.