Osteoporosis in Professional Dancers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mineral Density in Professional Dancers
IRAS ID
146123
Contact name
Yiannis Koutedakis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Wolverhampton
Research summary
Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to the deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increased risk of fractures. This disease is associated with low bone mineral density, and, therefore, the diagnosis depends on measuring bone mineral density. Osteoporosis is a silent disease that most commonly occurs among older individuals. However, due to the physical and aesthetic demands placed on professional dancers, current research suggests that these professionals are at risk of developing low bone mineral density and osteoporosis in later life.
Therefore, the aim of the current study is to evaluate professional dancers to ascertain the prevalence of low bone mineral density and osteoporosis in professional dancers.
Participants’ bone mineral density will be evaluated (using Dual-emission X-ray Absorptiometry) of professional dancers (adults), and gender- and age-matched controls. There is a need to include controls, as without a control group it is difficult to draw firm conclusions as to whether professional dancers have high or low bone mass levels compared to general population.
As dancers´ bone health status is a major concern among dance specialists, the outcomes of this study can contribute to better understand dancers’ bone health.REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/0008
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion