Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

  Background : Bone mineral density reduction is a problem that can lead to osteoporosis. Physical activity can be effective on the prevention of osteoporosis by some mechanisms such as changing in anthropometrics variables. The goal of this study was to evaluate bone mass density and some of anthropometrics variables and their relationship in athletes and non-athletes men.

  Methods : Thirty athlete and 30 non-athlete men aged 50-70 participated in this research. Their bone mass density and anthropometrics variables included weight, fat mass, muscle mass, height, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist to hip circumference ratio were measured. We used independent t-test and Pearson correlation to analyze data.

  Results : Significantly, in athlete group, femur and lumbar bone mass density and muscle mass were higher than non-athlete group (p>0.001). In addition, there was a significant relationship between bone mass density with weight (p>0.005), muscle mass (p>0.001) and height (p>0.005). However, the result showed that just in athlete group there was positive considerable connection between femur bone mass density and muscle mass (p>0.001).

  Conclusion : Regular physical activity with adequate time and intensity can affect on relation between bone mineral density and anthropometric variables through increasing muscle mass and bone mineral density. Therefore while comparing the research results individuals’ athletic or non-athletic status need to be noticed.