Physical Performance Variables and Bone Mineral Density in a Group of Young Overweight and Obese Men

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between performances obtained in different physical tests and bone parameters (bone mineral density [BMD], bone mineral content, hip geometry indices, and trabecular bone score [TBS]) in a group of young Lebanese overweight and obese adult men. Fifty-two overweight and/or obese (body mass index > 25 kg/m 2 ) young men whose ages range from 18 to 35 yr participated in this study. Weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. Body composition, BMD, cross-sectional area and section modulus ( Z ) of the femoral neck (FN), and TBS were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 max, in liter per minute) was determined by direct measurement while exercising on a medical treadmill. One-repetition-maximum half-squat and maximum power ( P max) of the lower limbs were measured using validated exercises. Lean mass was a positive determinant of whole-body bone mineral content ( r  = 0.71, p r  = 0.51, p Z ( r  = 0.58, p 2 max (in liter per minute) was a positive determinant of whole-body BMD ( r  = 0.47, p r  = 0.43, p r  = 0.42, p 2 max (in milliliter per minute per kilogram) was a positive determinant of TBS ( r  = 0.30, p r  = 0.33, p 2 max (in liter per minute) is a positive determinant of BMD, and VO 2 max (in milliliter per minute per kilogram) is a positive determinant of TBS in overweight and obese men.