Non-elite gymnastics participation is associated with greater bone strength, muscle size, and function in pre- and early pubertal girls

Summary Recent reports indicate an increase in forearm fractures in children. Bone geometric properties are an important determinant of bone strength and therefore fracture risk. Participation in non-elite gymnastics appears to contribute to improving young girls’ musculoskeletal health, more specifically in the upper body. Introduction The primary aim of this study was to determine the association between non-elite gymnastics participation and upper limb bone mass, geometry, and strength in addition to muscle size and function in young girls. Methods Eighty-eight pre- and early pubertal girls (30 high-training gymnasts [HGYM, 6–16 hr/ wk], 29 low-training gymnasts [LGYM, 1–5 h r/wk] and 29 non-gymnasts [NONGYM]), aged 6–11 years were recruited. Upper limb lean mass, BMD and BMC were derived from a whole body DXA scan. Forearm volumetric BMD, bone geometry, estimated strength, and muscle CSA were determined using peripheral QCT. Upper body muscle function was investigated with muscle strength, explosive power, and muscle endurance tasks. Results HGYM showed greater forearm bone strength compared with NGYM, as well as greater arm lean mass, BMC, and muscle function (+5% to +103%, p