Article

This study investigated bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm),
fat mass
(FM, kg), and fat-free soft tissue mass (FFSTM, kg) in Paralympic athletes with
cerebral palsy (CP) using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. METHODS: Bone mineral
density, BMD Z scores (standard deviations), FM, and FFSTM were measured for the
whole body and at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip sites on both
nonaffected and affected sides of 6 athletes with hemiplegic CP. RESULTS: There
were no differences between nonaffected and affected sides with respect to
site-specific BMD and BMD Z scores and FM. Fat-free soft tissue mass was
significantly lower on the affected side in both upper and lower limbs (15%
lower; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study is the first to describe similar
BMD between sides, symmetry in FM, and asymmetry in FFSTM in Paralympic athletes
with CP. These findings have important consequences for rehabilitation, as they
indicate the potential for positive physiological adaptation as a result of
exercise training over long periods of time.

Langue : ANGLAIS