Seasonal Bone Density and Body Composition Changes in High School Wrestlers

Purpose: Investigate the seasonal bone density and body composition changes of elite, high school wrestlers. Subjects: 13 young boys (mean age + SD = 15.9 + 0.9 yrs) that were members of an elite high school wrestling program. Methods: In a 6-month study, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), body fat (BF), and lean tissue (LT) were measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) during early season and post season. Results: Paired t-test analysis indicated significant seasonal differences in bodyweight, %LT, %BF, BMC, and BMD. Conclusion: The wrestlers' mean BMD was enhanced from early season to post season. Greater seasonal increases of BF compared to increases in LT may reduce the possibility of achieving maximal performance.