The general and local BMD of 23 professional cyclists (28.5 ±3.9 years; 179 ±6.8 m; 70.9 ±7.1 kg) of the same team has been assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with a GE Lunar Prodigy. The classic T-score based on average L1-L4 was used to differentiate between subjects. At the same time, the following biological parameters were evaluated: Hb, Ht, K, proteins, Ca, P, Mg, alkaline phosphatase, as well as the following endocrinian markers: Osteocalcine, Cortisol, Testosterone, TSH and IGF-1. Statistical analysis was performed using mean comparison with Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlations. Results Two separate groups were identified: 8 subjects with normal average L1-L4 T-score (-0.19 ±0.62)and 15 subjects with sub normal values (-1.57 ±0.45). No significant difference was found between any of the biological parameters. However a significant correlation (p<0.05) was revealed between average L1-L4 T-score and BMD, total as well as arms, legs, basin, spine, ribs osteodensity, therefore validating the criterion used to differentiate betwween subjects. Furthermore, correlations were found between BMD and IGF-1 (R=0.53), Testosterone ( R=0.43) and Osteocalcine (R=0.42). Conclusion In an apparently homogeneous population of healthy professional cyclists, 65% of the subjects were found to have a significantly lower bone density.
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