Vinther, A., Alkjaer, T., Kanstrup, I.-L., Zerahan, B., Ekdahl, C., & Aagaard, P. (2012). Reduced bone mineralization in elite male lightweight rowers compared to elite rowers without weight restriction. Presentation 2729 at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, San Francisco, California; May 29-June 2, 2012.

This study investigated if lightweight rowers were characterized by reduced bone mineral density compared to heavyweight rowers. Total body bone mineral density was measured in male (N = 20) and female (N = 9) lightweight rowers, and male (N = 10) and female (N = 10) heavyweight rowers from the Danish National Team. Bone mineral density was expressed as a percentage of a young adult reference population (20-40 years of age).

Total body bone mineral density was reduced in male lightweight rowers more than in the other three groups, among which there were no differences.

Implication. Mineral density was reduced in male Danish National Team lightweight rowers compared to male and female heavyweight rowers and female lightweight rowers. That deficiency exposes male lightweight rowers to an increased risk of exercise-induced rib stress fracture injuries.

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