Running event, age and competitive level as predictors of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived body composition and bone health markers in female runners

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of running discipline, competitive level (COMP), and age on body composition measures in female athletes. A total of n=51 female runners (age: 30.9 ± 5.7 years, stature: 166.7 ± 5.7 cm, body mass (BM): 57.1 ± 8.2 kg) completed a full body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan in a cross-sectional design. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis was used to identify differences in DXA measures and independent variables. Stepwise regression determined the contribution of independent variables on DXA measures. Body fat percentage (BF%) and fat mass (FM) differed based on COMP (BF%: H(2) = 17.451; FM: H(2) = 17.406, both p≤0.0001). COMP modestly predicted BF% and FM (BF%: R2adj = 0.316, F(1,50) = 22.660; FM: R2adj = 0.300, F(1,50) = 21.029, both p≤0.0001). Bone mineral density (BMD) and BMD Z-score (BMDZ) did not differ between age, running discipline or COMP (Age: BMD: F(2,50) = 2.825, BMDZ: F(2,50) = 2.215; running discipline: BMD: F(3,50) = 1.145, BMDZ: F(3,50) = 1.474; COMP: BMD: F(2,50) = 0.074, BMDZ: F(2,50) = 1.297, all p≤0.05). Age and running discipline modestly predicted BMD and BMDZ (BMD: R2adj = 0.179, F(1,50) = 5.264; BMDZ: R2adj = 0.173, F(1,50) = 4.545, both p≤0.05). These findings indicate COMP may be a predictor of BF% and FM. Age and running discipline appear predictors of bone health markers. Such findings may enable medical and sport science practitioners to tailor interventions relating to realisation of training adaptations, performance and health.

This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. The published version of record Wilson, Laura Jane1; Curtis, Christopher2. Running Event, Age, and Competitive Level as Predictors of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry–Derived Body Composition and Bone Health Markers in Female Runners. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 38(7):p e366-e372, July 2024.| DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004773 is available online at:https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004773