Altered antioxidant and trace-element status in adolescent female gymnasts

Physical activity is associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species and may lead to decreased levels of plasma antioxidants and increased oxidant stress. Some studies have reported that antioxidant supplements can reduce the consequences of oxidative stress during exercise. In this study the authors aimed to assess the chronic effects of exercise on endogenous serum antioxidant enzyme concentrations. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured in adolescent girls who were either competitive gymnasts or sedentary controls. The relationship between age, body-mass index, dietary intake, trace-element status, and serum GPx and SOD was determined. The participants in the study were part of a 3-yr longitudinal investigation of exercise and peak bone-mass development in 38 competitive gymnasts and 40 healthy sedentary adolescent females 8-17 yr of age. Serum GPx and SOD were measured using colorimetric assays, and trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The mean serum GPx concentrations were significantly higher in the gymnasts than in the sedentary females (157 ± 11.1 vs. 126 ± 8.8 U/ml, p < .05). In contrast, serum SOD concentrations were significantly lower in the gymnasts than in the sedentary group (7.24 ± 2.6 vs. 8.57 ± 2.3 U/ml, p < .05). Serum selenium, zinc, and copper were higher in the physically active group than in the inactive group (0.89 ± 0.03, 10.86 ± 0.39, 14.50 ± 0.50 vs. 0.81 ± 0.03, 10.32 ± 0.28, and 14.38 ± 0.42 µmol/L, respectively), although only serum selenium reached statistical significance (p < .05). The findings show that young female gymnasts have an altered antioxidant enzyme profile compared with their less physically active peer

Investigation of the effects of diet and exercise on bone growth in young females

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Investigation of the Effects of Diet and Exercise on Bone Growth in Young Females.

Weight-bearing exercise has been shown to be beneficial for peak bone mass (PBM) development, but whether the skeletal benefits achieved with exercise are maintained if training remains intensive throughout the pubertal years remains undefined. The aim of this research was to investigate the long-term effects of high-impact exercise and the interaction with nutritional factors on PBM development and somatic growth in young females. Longitudinal effects of training on bone metabolism as well as familial influence on growth and development were also examined. At baseline, 45 artistic gymnasts (G) and 52 normally-active controls (C) aged 8-17 years were recruited and followed-up for three years. Anthropometry, diet (repeated estimated dietary records) and physical activity were assessed. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements were taken. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of total body (TB) and lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) were taken annually for two years. Blood and urine samples were collected for analysis of bone formation (bone specific alkaline phosphatase, BALP; amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, PINP) and resorption markers (pyridinoline, PYD; deoxypyridinoline, DPD; collagen type I cross-linked C-telopeptide, CTX). To assess heredity influences, 27 G-mothers and 26 C-mothers volunteered for cross-sectional measurements of anthropometry, QUS, BMC/BMD. Compared to the controls, the gymnasts were smaller and lighter (as were their mothers), but had similar growth rates across puberty. Their maturation process occurred later and this was at least partly due to a familial influence. Dietary intakes of energy, macro and micronutrients were found to be sufficient in gymnasts, but only after adjustment for body weight. The gymnasts had significantly higher QUS, axial and appendicular BMC and BMD, with >170 grams more bone mineral in TB across puberty. The main determinants of bone mass were height, weight, maturation, exercise and dietary energy and protein intake. In gymnasts, the biochemical markers of bone turnover which were assessed indicated lower bone resorption in early puberty and higher bone formation in late puberty. These results provide evidence for sustained skeletal benefits from impact-loading exercise throughout the pubertal years, which are unlikely to result entirely from hereditary influences. If the effects are maintained through adulthood into old age, impact-loading exercise during childhood and adolescence may have a valuable role in preventing osteoporotic fractures in later life

Evidence of sustained skeletal benefits from impact-loading exercise in young females: a 3-year longitudinal study

The skeletal effects from intensive exercise throughout puberty are undefined. Forty-five female gymnasts and 52 controls were studied over 3 years, including a heredity aspect. The effects of size, maturity, exercise, and diet were identified using a multilevel regression model. Results demonstrated sustained skeletal benefits resulting from exercise throughout all stages of pubertal development.Introduction: Weight-bearing exercise is beneficial for peak bone mass development. However, whether skeletal benefits achieved with exercise are maintained if training remains intensive throughout the pubertal years is not entirely clear. The influence of familial resemblance for bone mass remains undefined in physically active versus inactive children. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term influences of impact-loading exercise on bone quantity and quality in young females after controlling for growth, maturation, and hereditary factors.Materials and Methods: At baseline, 45 gymnasts (G) and 52 normally active controls (C) 8-17 years of age were recruited. Anthropometry, diet, physical activity, and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) were measured annually for 3 consecutive years. DXA scans of total body (TB) and lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) were taken three times at 1-year intervals. A multilevel regression model was fitted, and the independent effects of body size, maturity, physical activity, and diet were identified over time. To assess heredity influences, 27 G mothers and 26 C mothers volunteered for cross-sectional measurements of anthropometry, QUS, and BMC/BMD.Results and Conclusions: Gymnasts were smaller and lighter (as were their mothers) than controls, but they had significantly higher QUS and axial and appendicular BMC and BMD, with &gt;170 g more bone mineral in TB across puberty (after adjustment for maturity [years from peak height velocity], height, weight, energy, and protein intake). Gymnasts had up to 24-51% higher BMC and 13-28% higher BMD, depending on skeletal site. These results provide evidence of sustained skeletal benefits from impact-loading exercise, which are unlikely to result entirely from heredity, throughout pubertal year