Risk factors of osteoporotic fractures in master athletes

Aim. The aim of the study was to explore the indicators of bone metabolism in master athletes depending on the type of physical activity, as well as their relationship with probability of osteoporotic fractures. Materials and methods. 50 master athletes aged from 51 to 82 years (mean age - 67 years) participated in the study. The following data were gathered: anthropometric parameters, biochemical parameters, hormonal profile, mineral metabolism parameters, the frequency of vertebral fractures, femoral neck fractures and radial bone fractures. Out of all examined master athletes, 11 persons (22%) had radial bone fractures, femoral neck fractures or vertebral fractures that occurred after their professional sports career. Results. The results of the study confirmed a predominantly low level of vitamin D in the vast majority of subjects (96% of master athletes had vitamin D deficiency). Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation of vitamin D level with static loads and a negative correlation with dynamic loads. There was a significant positive effect of testosterone and vitamin D levels on reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures in master athletes. Conclusion. Vitamin D level in master athletes depended on the nature of sport: an increase in the intensity of static loads according to J. Mitchell increased the probability of increasing 25OHD level, and vice versa for dynamic loads. Thus, it was found that master athletes previously engaged in martial arts or weightlifting were characterized by a lower probability of osteoporotic fractures compared to athletes from cyclic and speed-strength sport due to higher levels of vitamin D, testosterone and higher muscle mass.