Impact of sprint training on bone health: a literature review of current evidence

Abstract

Specific impact of sprint training (ST) on bone health has yet to be fully explored, in particular how it affects bone mineral density (BMD) and bone structure.Aim. To investigate the ST and bone health relationship between athletes of different training intensities and nonathletes of different ages.Materials and methods. A search of databases PubMed, Embase, and Pedro was conducted from January 2009 to August 2023. The full texts of all potentially relevant studies were obtained and evaluated by three independent reviewers for inclusion.Results. The comprehensive review of eight studies indicates a positive influence of ST on bone health. Sprinters show higher cortical and trabecular BMD in the tibia than controls, with a noted age-related decline in BMD. Short distance runners demonstrate significantly better BMD, counter-movement jump performance, and grip strength compared to long-distance runners. These benefits are consistent across various age groups, including older athletes, with minimal age-related changes in mid-tibial BMD. ST is also associated with a 21% increase in tibial stress-strain index, indicating sustained bone strength, and a reduction in fracture risk in the elderly through downregulation of fracture-related microRNAs.Conclusion. ST significantly enhances bone health, particularly in improving BMD and bone microarchitecture. Incorporating ST into exercise routines may benefit athletes and older individuals. Further research is essential to understand the mechanisms and develop optimal training protocols for bone health.