Vitamin D Level and Composite Indices of Femoral Neck Strength in a Group of Young Lebanese Women

Sprinting performance correlates with composite indices of femoral neck strength in middle-aged active men

The aim of the current study was to explore the relationships between 20-meter sprinting time and composite indices of femoral neck strength (compression strength index (CSI), bending strength index (BSI) and impact strength index (ISI)) in a group of middle-aged active men. 50 middle-aged active men voluntarily participated in this study. Their mean age was 45 ± 8.6 years. Body composition, total hip bone mineral density (TH BMD) and femoral neck bone mineral density (FN BMD) were evaluated by DXA. Sprinting time was negatively correlated to CSI (r = -0.52; p < 0.001), BSI (r = -0.43; p < 0.01) and ISI (r = -0.47; p < 0.001). The significant correlations between sprinting time and composite indices of femoral neck strength (CSI, BSI and ISI) remained significant after controlling for body weight, age and maximum oxygen consumption using multiple linear regressions. In conclusion, the current study suggests that sprinting performance (m/sec) is a positive determinant of CSI, BSI and ISI in middle-aged men.

Influence of Physical Activity Level on Composite Indices of Femoral Neck Strength in a Group of Young Overweight Men

The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of physical activity level on composite indices of femoral neck strength (compression strength index [CSI], bending strength index, and impact strength index) in a group of young overweight men. To do so, we compared composite indices of femoral neck strength in active overweight men and insufficiently active overweight men. They were divided into 2 groups based on their physical activity level: 70 active overweight men (engaging in more than 150 minutes of physical activity per week; 8.7 ± 4.8 h/wk) and 26 insufficiently active overweight men (engaging in less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week; 1.2 ± 0.7 h/wk). Height (m) and weight (kg) were measured, and body mass index (kg/m²) was calculated. Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at whole body, lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck. Body weight, lean mass, fat mass, and body mass index were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CSI, bending strength index, and impact strength index were significantly higher in active overweight men compared to insufficiently active overweight men. After adjustment for age, physical activity (h/wk) and lean mass, only CSI remained higher in active overweight men compared to insufficiently active overweight men. This study suggests that, in young overweight men, being active (engaging in more than 150 minutes of physical activity per week) is associated with greater composite indices of femoral neck strength. To our knowledge, this is the first study that finds a significant difference regarding composite indices of femoral neck strength between 2 groups of young overweight men with different levels of physical activity.