High volume training and the effects of injury on bone density
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the impact of high volume training on bone density in adolescent and young adult sports academy players and the effect of offloading post injury: a longitudinal observational study.
IRAS ID
164144
Contact name
Lucy Ashton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Sports academies are increasingly popular and offer opportunities for adolescents to excel in their chosen sport. However, training is often high volume and injury rates are significant in this skeletally immature population. This results in loss of training days and fitness resulting in a reduction in quality of life for these individuals, in addition to imposing a burden on the NHS. There is currently a lack of data to understand the bone changes related to these injuries and whether the skeleton remains vulnerable following healing of an acute injury. However, some Premier League football clubs are using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to predict when players should return to training, despite their lack of any evidence-base which to base the rationale for these scans.
The primary aim of this study is therefore to measure the changes in the bone mineral density (BMD) of young people enrolled in sports academies that regularly participate in high volume training programmes and have had their weight bearing ability compromised by an injury. These participants will be assessed using DXA over a year long period following injury.
The secondary aim of the study is to measure the natural changes over the period of 1 year in the BMD of young people between the ages of 16 to 21 years which occur during skeletal maturation and compare their measurements to those who participate in high volume, regular exercise as part of their player development.
This research will also examine the bone age of participants, this will demonstrate whether there is a predisposition for more physically active individuals to achieve skeletal maturity earlier than their age matched controls.
Understanding the impact of high intensity sports on the adolescent skeleton and the bone changes following injury will enable a greater understanding of the risks and benefits of high volume training regimes.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0104
Date of REC Opinion
11 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion