The effects of a 1-year recreational football protocol on bone mineral density and physical performance parameters in a group of healthy inactive 50 years old men

The aim of this PhD thesis were to explore the relationships between several physical performance variables and bone parameters in a group of middle-aged men, to compare composite indices of femoral neck strength in inactive middle-aged men and ages-matched former football players and to explore the effects of a 1-year recreational football protocol on bone mineral density and physical performance parameters in a group of healthy inactive 50-year-old men. Three main studies have been conducted. The first study has shown that VO₂ max (L/min), lean mass and maximum power of the lower limbs are the strongest determinants of bone variables in middle-aged men. The second study has shown that former footbal practice is associated with higher composite indices of femoral neck strength in middle-aged men. The third study has demonstrated that WB BMC, FN BMD, CSMI, CSI, BSI and ISI increased in both experimental groups (RF30 and RF60) but not in the control group. The percentages of variations in bone health parameters and in physical performance variables were not significantly different in both experimental groups. Recreational football is an effective method to improve bone health in middle-aged men.