Low bone mineral density in professional scuba divers.
Scuba diving is associated with a 90% reduction in effective weight and with the loss of a weight-bearing effect on joints. These conditions are very similar to the continuous weightlessness that occurs in spaceflight and bed-rest, which are clearly associated with significant bone mass loss. Here, we studied the bone mineral density (BMD) of 66 professional scuba divers using a dual-photon densitometer, and have depicted a reduction in the BMD in comparison to a matched control group of non-divers. Our results suggest that diving is also an activity where the unloading effect alters bone metabolism, leading to a reduction in BMD.
Pereira Silva
J A
JA
Rheumatology Unit, Santa Maria Hospital, Av. Prof Egas Moniz, 1600, Lisbon, Portugal.
Costa Dias
F
F
Fonseca
J E
JE
Canhao
H
H
Resende
C
C
Viana Queiroz
M
M
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D004242:Diving / Q000502:physiology*; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology; D014893:Weightlessness / Q000009:adverse effects*