Running Event, Age, and Competitive Level as Predictors of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry–Derived Body Composition and Bone Health Markers in Female Runners

Abstract

Abstract Wilson, LJ and Curtis, C. Running event, age, and competitive level as predictors of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry–derived body composition and bone health markers in female runners. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): e366–e372, 2024—The aim of this study was to assess the impact of running discipline, competitive level (COMP), and age on body composition measures in female athletes. A total of n = 51 female runners (age: 30.9 ± 5.7 years, stature: 166.7 ± 5.7 cm, and body mass (BM): 57.1 ± 8.2 kg) completed a full-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan in a cross-sectional design. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis was used to identify differences in DXA measures and independent variables. Stepwise regression determined the contribution of independent variables on DXA measures. Body fat percentage (BF%) and fat mass (FM) differed based on COMP (BF%: H(2) = 17.451; FM: H(2) = 17.406, both p ≤ 0.0001). Competitive level modestly predicted BF% and FM (BF%: R 2 adj = 0.316, F(1,50) = 22.660; FM: R 2 adj = 0.300, F(1,50) = 21.029, both p ≤ 0.0001). Bone mineral density (BMD) and BMD Z-score (BMDZ) did not differ between age, running discipline, or COMP (age: BMD: F(2,50) = 2.825, BMDZ: F(2,50) = 2.215; running discipline: BMD: F(3,50) = 1.145, BMDZ: F(3,50) = 1.474; COMP: BMD: F(2,50) = 0.074, BMDZ: F(2,50) = 1.297, all p ≤ 0.05). Age and running discipline modestly predicted BMD and BMDZ (BMD: R 2 adj = 0.179, F(1,50) = 5.264; BMDZ: R 2 adj = 0.173, F(1,50) = 4.545, both p ≤ 0.05). These findings indicate COMP may be a predictor of BF% and FM. Age and running discipline appear predictors of bone health markers. Such findings may enable medical and sport science practitioners to tailor interventions relating to realization of training adaptations, performance, and health.