SPORT-SPECIFIC AND LIMB-DOMINANT DIFFERENCES IN BONE DENSITY AND LEAN MASS IN COLLEGIATE SOFTBALL AND BASKETBALL ATHLETES

Authors

Jay Roszell*, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA 30043Follow
Peyton Miller*, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA 30043Follow
Brent Morris, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA 30043Follow
Josh Wludyga, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA 30043Follow
Brandon Doan, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA 30043Follow

Abstract

Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass are influenced by sport-specific loading and limb dominance. High-impact and resistance-based activity promote musculoskeletal adaptations. Methods: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to assess total and regional BMD and lean mass in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) athletes including 22 Women’s Softball (WSB), 12 Women’s Basketball (WBB), and 15 Men’s Basketball (MBB) athletes. Results: According to repeated measures ANOVA, there were significant differences in bone mineral density between dominant vs. non-dominant arms for the overall sample population (0.87±0.09 g/cm2 vs. 0.81±0.09 g/cm2, p<0.001) with a significant interaction by sport (p<0.001). According to MANOVA analysis, WSB had the greatest arm BMD asymmetry (10.58±5.03%) when compared to MBB (3.93±3.79%, p<0.001) or WBB (2.19±5.80%, p<0.001). Also, percent asymmetry in arm lean mass was significantly greater for WSB (10.19±5.65%), as compared to MBB (5.32±8.10%, p=o.048) or WBB (3.57±6.50%, p=0.013). Percent asymmetries were calculated by dividing dominant by non-dominant arm lean mass in grams or BMD in g/cm2 and multiplying by 100. MBB total body BMD (1.37±0.10 g/cm2) was significantly higher than WBB (1.19±0.08 g/cm2, p<0.001) and WSB (1.16±0.07 g/cm2, p<0.001). Total body BMD between WBB and WSB was not statistically significantly different (p=0.407). The total body BMD averages for each of the three sports were greater than demographically matched comparison data from the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Discussion: The unilateral demands of WSB may explain the greater arm asymmetry observed. These findings support previous research showing that mechanical loading affects musculoskeletal tissue. Practical applications: Coaches and clinicians may use these insights to specify training and injury prevention strategies, emphasizing unilateral exercises and targeted resistance training to address asymmetries and optimize musculoskeletal health in athletes. Results of this study also highlight the importance of consistent loading for long-term health.

Recommended Citation

Roszell*, Jay; Miller*, Peyton; Morris, Brent; Wludyga, Josh; and Doan, Brandon (2026) "SPORT-SPECIFIC AND LIMB-DOMINANT DIFFERENCES IN BONE DENSITY AND LEAN MASS IN COLLEGIATE SOFTBALL AND BASKETBALL ATHLETES," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 84, No. 1, Article 81.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol84/iss1/81