ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the effects of sport participation on body composition and bone density in professional male athletes. Body composition of 85 soccer and Rugby Union players and 43 control subjects was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The soccer and Rugby players had significantly greater lean mass and lower percent body fat than controls and they also had a significantly greater bone mineral density (BMD). Sport participation can have a beneficial effect on the development and maintenance of peak bone mass and causes sport-specific physiological adaptations. There is no consensus regarding which sports are more beneficial for increasing peak bone mass and appendicular muscle mass. Rugby and soccer are two sports that differ in their loading characteristics and desirable physique. Participation in professional soccer and Rugby Union was associated with an increased bone density, lean mass and a reduced percent body fat compared with sedentary controls.
