Low bone mineral density in professional scuba divers

Clin Rheumatol. 2004 Feb;23(1):19-20. doi: 10.1007/s10067-003-0787-1. Epub 2004 Jan 13.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adult
  • Bone Density*
  • Diving / physiology*
  • Femur Neck / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur Neck / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteoporosis / etiology*
  • Osteoporosis / metabolism
  • Risk Factors
  • Weight-Bearing / physiology
  • Weightlessness / adverse effects*