Comparison of bone mineral density between female amateur triathletes and nonathletes: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: Physical inactivity is considered an important risk factor for osteoporosis, however, some athletes performing extremely high training volumes can also develop bone mass loss. Moreover, the effect of total body mass or body surface area on bone mineral density remains controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the absolute bone mineral density and bone mineral density adjusted to body surface area between amateur triathletes and nonactive women. Methods: Forty-two healthy women (23 amateur triathletes and 19 nonactive individuals) were evaluated for body composition using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry system. Results: Compared to nonactive women, amateur triathletes exhibited lower body mass index (p