{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Vitamin D levels and bone mineral density of middle-aged premenopausal female football and volleyball players in Japan: a cross-sectional study.
{Author}: Sakamoto K;Miyamori T;Someya Y;Nagao M;Ishihara Y;Kobayashi Y;Shimasaki Y;Imai J;Ono T;Ikeda H;Tashima K;Yoshimura M;
{Journal}: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil
{Volume}: 16
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Jul 2
{Factor}: 2.367
{DOI}: 10.1186/s13102-024-00938-x
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The number of football teams in senior categories has increased. As outdoor sports entail players being exposed to sunlight, playing football may contribute to maintaining vitamin D stores and body mineral density while preventing osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine the bone mineral density and vitamin D levels in middle-aged premenopausal female football players.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Participants were premenopausal females in their 40s. We evaluated bone mineral density of the second to the fourth lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) levels, which is an indicator of vitamin D stores, and body composition. In addition, we administered a questionnaire survey on exercise habits and lifestyle. Ninety-two participants were categorised into three groups: the football group (n = 27), volleyball group (n = 40), and non-exercise group (n = 25).<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Bone mineral density was higher in the football and volleyball groups than in the non-exercise group (P < 0.01). The volleyball group had a significantly higher bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck than the non-exercise group (P < 0.01). The football group had a significantly higher bone mineral density of the femoral neck than the non-exercise group (P < 0.01). Although the football group had played fewer years than the volleyball group (P < 0.01), serum 25-OHD levels were the highest in the football group and were significantly higher than those in the volleyball and non-exercise groups (P < 0.01).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Middle-aged premenopausal football players had higher body vitamin D levels and bone mineral densities than non-active females. These results suggest that playing football may contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis.<BR><B>BACKGROUND: </B>UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000054235. 2024/04/23. Retrospectively registered.