Bone health in footballers with disability
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Bone health in footballers with disabilities and the role of vitamin D
IRAS ID
260942
Contact name
Christina Langley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Three quarters of the UK population is impacted by low vitamin D levels. The main risk factors are associated with low sunlight hours and dietary intake. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to diminished bone health and increased risk of developing osteoporosis. As outdoor sunlight exposure is often linked to levels of physical activity, populations with low physical activity may be at risk of low vitamin D and be implicated for poor bone health. Previously individuals with disabilities have been shown to be at risk of being more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency, with Paralympic athletes experiencing higher incidence than those without disability (80% vs 70%, respectively). As yet however the link between bone health, vitamin D and diet is not reported in this population.
Within a group of ambulatory footballers with disability (Deaf, Blind and Cerebral palsy) aged between 16-50 years old and a control group of age matched participants, we aim to determine whether vitamin D is associated with bone health. Dietary vitamin D will be assessed via food frequency questionnaire.
Bone health will be assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (PQCT) as well as a whole body fan beam DEXA scan which will be used to obtain bone mineral density scores. Vitamin D will be assessed through a venous blood sample.
The experimental group and the controls will perform the study once at Manchester Metropolitan University, each participant testing session will last approximately 60 mins. This study is part of a PhD research project which will last 3 years.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0680
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion