Bone health parameters in middle-aged former basketball players vs. middle-aged inactive men

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare bone health parameters (bone mineral content [BMC], bone mineral density [BMD], geometric indices of femoral neck [FN] strength (cross-sectional area [CSA], cross-sectional moment of inertia [CSMI], section modulus [Z], buckling ratio [BR] and strength index [SI]) and composite indices of FN strength (compression strength index [CSI], bending strength index [BSI], and impact strength index [ISI])) in middle-aged inactive men (n = 25) and middle-aged former basketball players (n = 18). Methods: The participants of the study were 43 middle-aged men; their ages ranged from 38 to 52 years. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to evaluate body composition, BMD and geometric indices of FN strength. Composite indices of FN strength (CSI, BSI, and ISI) were calculated. Physical performance tests were used to evaluate the vertical jump (VJ), horizontal jump (HJ), triple jump (TJ), maximum power (MP) of the lower limbs (watts), maximal squat strength, maximal bench press strength, maximal leg extension strength, maximal barbell curl strength, maximal triceps extension strength, sprint performance (10 meters), and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max, L/min). Results: WB BMC, WB BMD, L1-L4 BMD, CSA, CSMI and Z were significantly higher in former basketball players compared to inactive men. MP, TJ, VJ, maximal squat strength and maximal bench press strength were significantly higher in former basketball players compared to inactive men. Conclusion: The present study suggests that former basketball practice is associated with greater bone health parameters in middle-aged men.