The effects of volleyball on bone mineral density and body composition of young females

ABSTRACTTHE EFFECTS OF VOLLEYBALL ON BONE MINERAL DENSITY ANDBODY COMPOSITION OF YOUNG FEMALESHelveci, GülnurMS, Education of TrainingAdviser: Ass. Prof. Hasan Birol YalçınDecember 2005, 101 pagesIn this study, the effects of practicing volleyball on bone mineral density(BMD), body composition, height and body weight of young females are examined.Experimental groups of this study were 8 females volleyball players (age 16,50 ±1,07) and 8 healthy sedanter females (age 16,38 ± 1,19) who did not exerciseregularly. BMD measurements were taken on 2 different regions (lumbar spine andright femur) with dual energy x-ray absorbtiometry. In all subjects, Skinfoldthickness measurements were taken at upper right femur and suprailiac regions toassess body fat percent using a Skinfold Caliper and evaluated with the Pollocet.al.formula.The means of the physical parameters measured in volleyball players werefound to be as follows: height 172,13 ± 5,49 cm, body weight 58,04 ± 5 kg, body fatpercent % 20,92 ± 1,84, bone mineral density L1-L4 1,04 ± 0,08 g/cm2, FT bonemineral density 0,97 ± 0,11 g/cm2. In sedanter group of the study, the means of themeasured parameters were found as: height 155,88 ± 5,06 cm, body weight 48,51 ±5,65 kg, body fat percent % 24,72 ± 4,35, bone mineral density L1-L4 0,85 ± 0,11g/cm2, FT bone mineral density 0,82 ± 0,07 g/cm2. Non - parametric independent t -test was used in statistical analyses.As a result of analyses: there are statistically significant differences (p<0.05)among bone mineral density (lumbar spine and right femur), body fat percent, heightand body weight of volleyball players and sedanter group were found. Bone mineraldensity (lumbar spine and right femur), height and body weight of volleyball playerswere found to be significantly higher than the sedantary group (p<0.05). On the otherhand body fat percent of volleyball players were fonud to be significantly lower thanthe sedantary group (p<0.05).In conclusion, practicing volleyball affects bone development and bodycomposition favourably. To prevent obesity and osteoporosis in older ages, physicalactivity habits shold be gained during teenage years.Keywords: Bone Mineral Density, Body Fat Percent, Volleyball