Introduction: Pole sport is a growing popular recreational activity and has even gained recognition as an international competitive sport (1), however, it still remains under-researched, especially in the field of sports medicine. Given its increased popularity, it is important to understand its interaction with body composition and bone health in women.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition, 25- hydroxyvitamin D levels and handgrip strength in women who regularly practice pole sport in Bogotá, Colombia.
Methods: Participants were recruited through social media or directly at pole studios and were evaluated between September and December 2020.
They were between 18 and 39 years old, living in Bogota for at least one year and were practicing pole sport no less than 2 hours/week for at least 2 months. Pregnant women were excluded.
Body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were obtained, and grip strength was measured by hand dynamometry.
Results: A total of 28 women were recruited. Based on their training level, they were divided in two groups: Amateur (Am=15) or Professional (Pr=13).
Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test were performed to assess differences between groups. Paired-Samples t-test and ANOVA were performed for intragroup differences.
Groups were similar in age, Am group (30+5.6 years) and Pr group (32+5.1 years); P= 0.37. There was a significant difference in weight of the Am group (58.2+6.9) vs the Pr group (52.7+6); P=0.003.
Body mass index was significantly higher in the Am group vs the Pr group; Fat Mass Index was significantly higher in the Am group vs the Pr group; Muscle Mass percentage was lower in the Am group vs the Pr group.
Additionally, the Pr group showed significantly different bone mineral density in the arms, legs, and lumbar spine; being higher in the lumbar area.
Insufficient levels of vitamin D were found in 71.4% (=20) of the participants with no difference between the Am group and Pr group. No relationship was found between solar exposure and vitamin D levels (ρ = 0.06 P = 0.73).
Normalized handgrip strength (grip strength per body mass (2)) showed a statistically significant difference between Am group and Pr group.
Conclusions: Overall, the adipose and muscular profile were better in the Pr group compared to the Am group; bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was higher than legs and arms in the Pr group; the participants showed inadequate vitamin D levels; handgrip strength was significantly higher in the Pr group compared to Am group.
References 1. Nicholas JC, McDonald KA, Peeling P, Jackson B, Dimmock JA, Alderson JA, et al. Pole Dancing for Fitness: The Physiological and Metabolic Demand of a 60-Minute Class. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2019;33(10):2704-10. 2. Peterson MD, Duchowny K, Meng Q, Wang Y, Chen X, Zhao Y. Low normalized grip strength is a biomarker for cardiometabolic disease and physical disabilities among US and Chinese adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biomedical Sciences and Medical Sciences. 2017;72(11):1525-31.
Molano O1 , Avila A1 , Medina O2 , Sarmiento JM1,2, Ortiz O1,4 . 1. Department of Sports Medicine, Universidad El Bosque (Bogotá, Colombia) 2. Department of Endocrinology. Fundación Clinica Shaio (Bogotá, Colombia) 3. Cardiac Rehabilitation Service. Fundación Clínica Shaio. (Bogotá, Colombia) 4. Cardiac Rehabilitation Service. Fundación Santafé de Bogotá (Bogotá, Colombia)