[Study of bone mineral density in adolescent handball players: a study of 20 cases].

Background: The physical activity during adolescence seems to correlate with bone mass at the end of the growth period. aim : To determine the effect of handball regularly practiced by teenage girls on the anthropometric parameters and bone mineral density.

Methods: Cross-sectional case-control, made in the rheumatology department of the Rabta hospital, has enrolled adolescent handball players of high level, which were compared to a control group matched by age and sex, but sedentary. We evaluated our two groups for anthropometric parameters and BMD.

Results: The lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), the mean values of BMD at the lumbar spine and femur of our sports were significantly higher than that of sedentary controls. On bone mineral content (BMC), a statistically significant difference was observed between groups of sedentary and athletic teenagers. Positive and significant correlations were found between anthropometric parameters and measurements of BMD, BMC and of bone area.

Conclusion: The regular practice of handball seems to be an osteogenic factor. It may be advisable in adolescents during the growth period to optimize the bone.