Jamie Munnis
James Madison University
Subject Listing - Health Sciences: Kinesiology
Advisor: Dr. Judith Flohr
Friday, Poster Session 3, Presentation Kiosk 14 A, Health & Fitness Center
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUSCULAR STRENGTH AND BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN ADULT FEMALES
Having low bone mineral density (BMD) can lead to life altering changes - namely, the development of osteoporosis. Previous research indicates that, as much as 80% of the individuals with low BMD are women. Previous studies indicate that being physically active throughout one's life may decrease one's chance of having low BMD, and therefore decrease the chance of developing osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to look at upper and lower body muscular strength and bone mineral density and determine whether or not a relationship and/or statistically significant differences exist between the variables. The participants of this study will be post-menopausal women between the ages of 50 and 75 who were vigorously active during their college years (average 18-22 years) and volunteered to be a part of this study. The participants will have their upper body muscular strength tested using a five-repetition maximum (5RM) on the chest press. Lower body muscular strength will be tested by a 5RM on the leg press. Bone mineral density will be determined by using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The participants will have a DEXA scan performed on their right and left hips and lumbar spine. A correlation analysis will be performed to determine if a relationship exists between upper and lower body muscular strength and bone mineral density. A t-test will be used to determine if any significant differences exist. From this, the public may be informed of whether or not resistance training (which increases muscular strength) may have an effect on the development of osteoporosis. After menopause, women experience a decrease in estrogen levels, which leads to a decrease in bone mineral density and therefore increases the risk of osteoporosis. If it is found that there is a significant relationship between muscular strength and BMD, post-menopausal women can potentially decrease their risks of developing osteoporosis by increasing their muscular strength.
Advisor: Dr. Judith Flohr, Professor, Kinesiology and Recreation Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA