Author and graduation date: Inah REGO, November 1997

Committee members: Donna Beshgetoor (Chair), Jeanne F. Nichols-Bernhard, Robert P. Metzger

Thesis title: The Effects of Past and Current Physical Activity and Calcium Intake on Bone Mineral Density in Female Master Athletes

The low bone mineral density (BMD) that characterizes osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures and premature disability among older women. Previous studies have demonstrated that physical activity and calcium contribute to the optimal attainment of peak bone mass (PBM) during early years and the prevention of bone loss during later years. Therefore, physical activity and calcium may result in higher activity (past and current) and calcium intake (past and current) on BMD were investigated in 26 female masters athletes (17 cyclists and 9 runners) aged 35-69 years. Lumbar spine, femoral neck, trochanter, and Ward's triangle BMD were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Past calcium intake was assessed with a retrospective frequency of dairy product consumption questionnaire. Current calcium intake was determined from a 4-day diet records which were analyzed by the Nutritionist Four computer program. Past and current physical activity were assessed with the Minnesota Leisure-Time Physical Activity questionnaire(MLTPA). The Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Results suggest that high calcium intake and past and current physical activity contributed to high BMD values in the female masters athletes. Body weight (BW) had greater influence on BMD than did type of activity. Although most studies do not evaluate BMD loss at Ward's triangle but rather focus on BMD measurements at the femoral neck and/or lumbar spine, the results of this study suggest that the BMD at this particular site should be considered in the evaluation of BMD over time. Because the majority of fractures in osteoporosis occur in the hip, inclusion of the measurement of BMD at Ward's triangle may give an indication of the risk of potential hip fractures. However, further investigation is needed to examine changes in all BMD measurements over time and to more fully determine the effect of calcium intake and physical activity on BMD.

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