IES2025 Research, Audit and Quality Improvement Projects Physical Posters (55 abstracts)
Bone health dynamics across a playing season : a longitudinal analysis of DXA and biomarkers in female GAA players
Adrianne Wyse 1,3,4 , Louise O’Connell 2 , Derry O Flynn 1 , Aoife Courtney 1 , Robert McEvoy 1 , Kelly McCarthy 1 , Alison Bransfield 1 , Sean Costelloe 1,3 , Elaine McCarthy 3 , Paula O’Leary 1,3 & Antoinette Tuthill 1,3.
1Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork; 2Cork Ladies Gaelic Football Association; 3University College Cork, Cork 4 Research Ireland
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS) is caused by low energy availability (LEA), where energy expenditure exceeds intake. Risks include low bone mineral density (BMD), alteration in bone turnover markers (BTM), and impaired bone microarchitecture leading to fragility fractures and osteoporosis. 44 female intercounty GAA players underwent DXA and blood-based assessments at three time points across a playing season, including calcium metabolism markers (Calcium,Magnesium,phosphate,Vitamin D,PTH), BTMs, and hormones (IGF-1, GH,TFTs, insulin,leptin). 25 (57%) participants reported > 1 fracture in their playing career with 2 reporting fragility fractures. All assessed had normal BMD Z-scores(>-1). A significant association was noted between lower BMD Z-scores and higher LEAF-Q questionnaire scores (indicating risk of LEA). Using a Z-score of > 0, suggested by some studies due to the osteogenic benefits of high impact sports, 6 participants would be deemed at risk. Previously reported effects of LEA of increased CTX-1 and GH and decreased P1NP and IGF-1 were not evident in our study. Calcium levels throughout the study were normal. Vitamin D insufficiency ranged from 12- 27% across the study. Vitamin D supplementation was low ranging from 12% to 19% across the season. Low PTH was noted in 16% of participants at least once, potentially as an effect of chronic exercise and the resultant drop in basal PTH. Exercise, particularly weight- bearing activities, is generally considered beneficial for bone health and may be a factor protecting these female athletes from potential adverse consequences of LEA. This study was approved by CREC and supported by Research Ireland.
Volume 115
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Endocrine Abstracts
ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)
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