An association of speed performance with bone mineral density in national-level Kho-Kho players

Abstract

Purpose: The study investigated the status of bone mineral density (BMD), serum Vitamin D and calcium and their association with performance outcomes in national-level Kho-Kho players. Methods: Kho-Kho players (n = 52; aged 16–31 years) undergoing training in a national camp were recruited. A lumbar spine (L1–L4) scan was performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess BMD. Blood samples were obtained to assess serum calcium and Vitamin D3 status. The 30-m sprint and Illinois tests were used to estimate speed and agility performance, respectively. The Spearman correlation and linear regression were used to ascertain the association between BMD and performance outcomes. Results: T-score was lower in 22.5% (mean ± standard deviation: 0.32 ± 0.96; range: −2 to +3), and serum Vitamin D3 was lower (<20 ng/ml) in 13.7% and insufficient (>20=<30 ng/ml) in 54.9% of players. No significant correlation between BMD (T-score and Z-score), serum Vitamin D3 and calcium was observed. T-score (r = 0.295, P < 0.05) and Z-score (r = 0.321, P < 0.05) were significantly positively correlated with speed but not with agility. An association was also found between Z-score (standardised-β: 1.38, confidence interval [CI]: 0.34–2.44, P < 0.01) and T-score (standardised-β: 1.49, CI: 0.37–2.62, P < 0.01) and speed. Conclusion: Low BMD and Vitamin D3 deficiency were prevalent amongst Kho-Kho players. Speed performance has an association with BMD.