Global variation of low bone mineral density in special olympics adult athletes with intellectual and developmental disability-A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face a high risk of low bone mineral density (LBMD), a key osteoporosis indicator, yet global data remains limited. Understanding LBMD prevalence among adults with IDD is crucial for targeted public health interventions. This study examines LBMD variations in Special Olympics athletes, stratified by age, sex, and World Health Organization (WHO) global region, and explores bone mineral density (BMD) levels achieved during peak bone mass (PBM) age (20-29 years). This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 25,868 Special Olympics athletes (20 + years) screened in Healthy Athletes between 2011-2023. BMD testing was conducted by licensed clinicians, and institutional review board approval was obtained to use this deidentified data.

SUBMITTER: Pittaway M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12503286 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature