Risk to bone density for long-distance runners.(Brief Article)

Women who exercise by running long distances may be at risk of developing low bone density, a UK study has found.

The results showed that running longer distances was associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) in the spine and hip.

Fifty-two female endurance runners (1,500m to marathon distance) aged 18-44 years, who ran between five and 70km per week, were included in the study (British Journal of Sports Medicine 2003; 37: 67-71).

The researchers said their results suggested that running 10km/week further reduced lower lumbar spine BMD by 1 per cent and femoral neck BMD by 2 per cent, regardless of age and the start date of training They also …