Exploring the relationship between changes in bone mineral density, lean body mass, and hormones in active, adult males with osteopenia after a 12-month exercise intervention

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on March 6, 2013).The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file.Thesis advisor: Dr. Pamela HintonIncludes bibliographical references.M.S. University of Missouri--Columbia 2012."December 2012"INTRODUCTION: Weight-bearing exercise may positively affect bone via muscle contractions, impact forces, and hormonal changes; however, the importance of these factors remains controversial. PURPOSE: To determine if 12-months of resistance training (RT) or plyometric (PLY) exercise beneficially impacts bone mineral density (BMD) in active, osteopenic men, and to examine the potential osteogenic mechanisms. METHODS: Participants were randomized to 12-months of RT or PLY. LBM and BMD of the whole body, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing sites were measured at 0- and 12-months. Testosterone, free testosterone, and estradiol concentrations were assessed using ELISA kits. RESULTS: Whole body and leg BMD increased with no differences between RT and PLY. Hip BMD increased in the RT group. The relationship between the percent change in whole body LBM and the percent change in leg BMD was positive in the PLY group and negative in the RT group. The percent change in whole body LBM was positively correlated with the percent change in hip BMD in the PLY group. The percent change in arm LBM was positively correlated with the percent change in arm BMD in the RT group. The percent change in testosterone and estradiol were negatively correlated with the percent change in hip BMD. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, muscle contraction forces and impact forces may be potential mechanisms for osteogenesis in osteopenic men