Determinants of Stress Fracture and Bone Mass in Elite Military Cadets
Abstract
The aim of this 4-year prospective cohort study of 891 cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point was to examine the determinants of stress fractures and the acquisition of peak bone mass in elite military cadets. Cadets BMD, on average, was above the population mean (1 SD) at the calcaneus, hip and lumbar spine. Determinants of bone mass we identified included: menstrual function in females and prior exercise and milk drinking in men. Bone density was also related to standardized run score, PT score and body mass index. The accrual of bone mass in-women was related to current menstrual function, other factors related to peak bone mass in males and females are currently being investigated. There were 131 stress fractures during the 3.5 years of follow-up, with the majority occurring within the first 3 months. The incidence of stress fractures was higher in females versus males. In a nested case control design, PTH, BSAP, IGF-1 and NTX were unrelated to stress fracture. Collagen 1 A1 was not related to bone density or stress fracture. Fitness upon entry assessed by run score was significantly associated with stress fractures in both genders. In women with fractures, BMD at the heel, spine and hip were all lower than in women without fractures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA419705
Entities
People
- Felicia Cosman
- Jamie Ruffing
- Jeri Nieves