Introduction. Soccer is one of the most practiced sports in the world. It is characterized by different actions such as changes of directions, starts, stops, jumps and kicks, so it has been defined as an osteogenic sport. Previous studies have demonstrated that soccer participation improves bone mineral density (BMD) in male children. However, the influence that different playing surfaces could have on bone properties has not been studied in depth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate BMD differences between male soccer players who train on different playing surfaces.
Methods. A total of 76 male soccer players (12.7 ± 0.6 y) participated in this study. They were divided into 4 groups depending on the type of surface they played on as follows: 18 soccer players who trained in natural turf (NT), 13 in natural non-grass turf (NGT), 27 in 2nd generation artificial turf (2AT) and 18 in 3rd generation artificial turf (3AT). BMD and lean mass were measured with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) test using age, height, Tanner stage and subtotal body lean mass (whole body less the head) as covariates was used to analyze differences in BMD variables by playing surface.
Results. 3AT soccer players showed higher subtotal body, left leg, right leg and femoral neck BMD than players who trained in 2AT (p < 0.05). 3AT soccer players also showed higher right leg BMD than those training in NT (p < 0.05). Moreover femoral neck BMD was higher in 3AT soccer players than players who trained in NGT (p < 0.05). Others groups did not show differences between them (p > 0.05).
Conclusions. Soccer participation in 3AT might affect positively bone development during puberty. Despite these results, it would be necessary to analyze other variables, which could modify bone properties as calcium intake and the volume and type of soccer training.
Corresponding author. gabriel.lozano.berges@gmail.com
