Ultrasound calcaneus bone measurement in healthy preschool children: correlation with muscular fitness and weight status

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The bone health of children has recently become a very important medical concern. Therefore, the aims of this study were: 1) to determine whether there are links between muscular fitness, weight status and calcaneus ultrasound bone measurements in healthy, physically active preschool children; and 2) to determine the differences in the aforementioned parameters between girls and boys. METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-six healthy children (112 girls and 184 boys) participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants were evaluated in terms of muscular fitness, coordination, flexibility, and weight status. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements of the heel were performed using speed of sound, broadband ultrasound attenuation, the Quantitative Ultrasound Index and the estimated bone mineral density for further analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the QUS parameters between the boys and girls (P>0.05). The body masses, BMIs, and heights were the only variables that were significantly correlated with the QUS parameters of the calcaneus bone. The regression analysis indicated that after controlling for body mass, BMI, and body height (Model B) independent variables were found to be a significant independent predictor of calcaneus QUS. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms the recently reported facts that the calcaneus QUS variables are related to body weight, height, and BMI in preschool children.