Impact of Martial Arts (Judo, Karate, and Kung Fu) on Bone Mineral Density Gains in Adolescents of Both Genders: 9-Month Follow-Up

Author(s)

Ito, Igor H. ; Kemper, Han C. G. ; Agostinete, Ricardo R. ; Lynch, Kyle R. ; Christofaro, Diego G. D. ; Ronque, Enio R. ; Fernandes, Romulo A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PEDIATRIC EXERCISE SCIENCE; v. 29, n. 4, p. 8-pg., 2017-11-01.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare bone mineral density (BMD) gains in adolescents of both genders stratified according to different martial art styles in a 9-month follow-up study. Methods: The longitudinal study consisted of 29 adolescents of both genders and age between 11 and 17 years stratified into a control group (not engaged in any sport) and 50 fighters (kung fu/karate, n = 29; judo, n = 21). All 79 subjects underwent anthropometric measures (weight, height, leg length, and height set) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (BMD, in g/cm(2)) at 2 moments, baseline and 9 months later. Maturity offset (age at peak height velocity), lean soft tissue, chronological age, and resistance training were treated as covariates. Results: Male judoists presented higher gains in BMD-spine [0.098 g/cm(2) (95% confidence interval, 0.068-0.128)] than control group [0.040 g/cm(2) (95% confidence interval, 0.011-0.069)] (post hoc test with P = .030). There was no effect of martial art on BMD gains among girls. Independently of gender, in all multivariate models, lean soft tissue constituted the most relevant covariate. Conclusions: Judo practice in adolescents affected the bone accrual significantly after 9-month follow-up compared with controls, mainly in boys. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/06963-5 - Practice of different sport modalities and bone mass gain in adolescents: cohort of 09 months
• Grantee: Ricardo Ribeiro Agostinete
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation