Inter-arm asymmetry in bone mineral content and bone area in postmenopausal recreational tennis players

Maturitas. 2004 Jul 15;48(3):289-98. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2004.03.008.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether long-term recreational tennis participation is associated with increased bone and muscle mass in the dominant compared to the non-dominant arm, in postmenopausal tennis players.

Methods: Dual-energy X-ray whole body scans were performed in 10 postmenopausal tennis players (mean +/- S.D.; 59.7 +/- 4.8 years) and 12 postmenopausal non-active women (62.8 +/- 7.2 years) matched for age and height. Tennis players started in this sport at 31.4 +/- 8.8 years, and had been playing for 26.8 +/- 6.8 years, at least 3 h per week. In addition, shoulder isokinetic muscular strength was also evaluated.

Results: Tennis participation resulted in a lower whole mass and fat mass in both arms (P < 0.05). Dominant arm muscle mass and shoulder joint isokinetic strength were essentially similar in both groups, however, the tennis players showed 8% greater bone mineral content and 7% greater osseous area in the dominant than in the non-dominant arm (P < 0.05). No inter-arm differences were found in bone mineral density. A relationship was observed between the length of tennis participation and the degree of inter-arm asymmetry in bone mineral content (r = 0.81, P < 0.01) and bone area (r = 0.78, P < 0.01). However, the BMD of the arms was essentially similar in both groups. No differences were observed in femoral and lumbar bone mass and density between groups.

Conclusions: Long-term tennis participation is associated with increased bone mass, but not BMD, in the dominant arm of postmenopausal tennis players. The magnitude of the inter-arm asymmetry of postmenopausal tennis players is proportional to the length of tennis participation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adipose Tissue / anatomy & histology
  • Arm / anatomy & histology
  • Body Composition
  • Bone Density*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Postmenopause / physiology*
  • Shoulder Joint / physiology
  • Tennis / physiology*