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Fragile bones of elite cyclists : To treat or not to treat?
Hilkens, Luuk Knuiman, Pim Heijboer, Mathieu Kempers, Robert Jeukendrup, Asker E. van Loon, Luc J. C. van Dijk, Jan-Willem
Hilkens, Luuk
Knuiman, Pim
Heijboer, Mathieu
Kempers, Robert
Jeukendrup, Asker E.
van Loon, Luc J. C.
van Dijk, Jan-Willem
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that most elite cyclists have lower bone mineral density (BMD) values when compared with their nonelite counterparts (1) or sedentary young males (2, 3). This raises the question whether these ostensibly healthy athletes have a higher acute bone fracture risk and a higher risk of osteoporosis and associated comorbidities later in life. Although treatment of low BMD seems warranted in elite cyclists, the benefits of treatment for health and performance in this population remain to be established. In this viewpoint, we describe the etiology and consequences of impaired bone health in elite cyclists and discuss the need for interventions to optimize bone health in this unique population.
Keywords
bone, elite cyclists, exercise, nutrition, osteoporosis
Date
2021
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Applied Physiology
Book
Volume
131
Issue
Page Range
26-28
Article Number
ACU Department
Centre for Exercise and Nutrition
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as green open access
License
File Access
Controlled
Open
Open