female athletes; bone density

Question 1

What is bone density?

Answer 1

The thickness and strength of bones.

Question 2

Why do are females more likely to have reduced bone density?

Answer 2

As females age, they are more likely to have low levels of bone density due to a drop in oestrogen levels as a result of menopause.

Question 3

Why are bone density issues detrimental?

Answer 3

Low levels of bone density leads to increased risk of;
- Bone fractures
- Musculoskeletal injury
- Musculoskeletal disease (e.g. Osteoporosis)

Question 4

In _______ women accounted for ____% of all diagnosed cases of ___________.

Answer 4

In 2007-08 women accounted for 81.9% of all diagnosed cases of Osteoporosis.

Question 5

What is the recommended daily intake of calcium for men and women aged 19-50?

Answer 5

1000mg

Question 6

What is the recommended daily intake of calcium for women aged above 50?

Answer 6

1300mg

Question 7

What foods should a female athlete intake for higher levels of bone density?

Answer 7

Calcium rich foods such as dairy items (e.g. milk and cheese) and salmon.

Question 8

What should females do who have low levels of bone density?

Answer 8

Partake in physical activity, especially that involve weight bearing to strengthen bones (e.g. walking, light resistance training)

Question 9

What alternative physical activity should women partake in?

Answer 9

Women who are beginning a sport program should focus on safety to prevent fractured bones.
Alternatively, they should partake in swimming to prevent injury. (Does not help with bone density.)

However, in order to strengthen and develop higher levels of bone density females should partake in weight bearing physical activity (e.g. basketball, volleyball)

Question 10

What should women with Osteoporosis do prior and post physical activity?

Answer 10

They must warm up and stretch with ice on any inflamed joints.