| Summary: | This study compared bone mineral index (BMI, gm/cm²) of the femur, spine, and radius, measured by photon absorptiometry in various groups of eumenorrheic female athletes. The sample included body builders (11), swimmers (13), runners (5 collegiate, 11 recreational), and inactive controls (18) averaging 25 years of age, ranging from 17 to 38 years. Lumbar vertebral BMI for body builders (1.40 gm/cm²) was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater than controls (1.25 gm/cm²). The body builders' femoral neck BMI (1.09 gm/cm²) was significantly greater than swimmers (0.97 gm/cm², recreational runners and controls (0.95 gm/cm²). Years of exercise history and calcium consumption were not significant predictors of BMI. Correlation coefficients between fat-free body and all BMI sites were significant and more closely related to bone mineral than other variables (weight, height, weight/height²). Correlation coefficients for proximal and distal radius BMI and femoral and spine BMI were significant, the distal radius having higher association.
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