Stress Fractures Among Teen Girl Athletes - Exercise, Genetics or Both?

Previous studies, such as one published in Pediatrics, have suggested that too much high-impact activity may increase the risk of stress fractures in adolescent girls. However, a recent study has found that a family history of bone density issues (osteoporosis or osteopenia) may also be a predictor of stress fractures in adolescent girls.

The first study found that girls who participated in 16 or more hours of high impact activity (running, gymnastics and cheerleading) per week were 88 percent more likely to have a history of stress fractures that girls who reported 4 or less hours of high impact exercise per week. These high risk girls were also more likely to have an eating disorder.

The second study looked at menstrual irregularities, the amount of total physical activity (which averaged 7-8 hours) per week, and family history of osteoporosis or osteopenia. They found that family history was the only factor independently associated with stress fractures in girls. Parents, coaches and teens simply need to be mindful of the amount of high impact exercise being done. And if there are family members with bone density issues it's even more important to pay attention to warning signs of stress fractures and modify training routines to prevent problems. Because menstrual irregularities can lead to bone loss, it's also important to watch for signs of an eating disorder in young athletes.