This is because "genetic, hormonal, and nutritional factors play a significant role in the development of stress fractures....Female runners with a history of stress fracture are more likely to have a history of irregular periods or lack of periods. A low body mass index is also a predictor of reduced bone mineral density in adolescents" ("Stress Fractures," 2006, Mass General Hospital for Children). To gain a sense of the relative the bone density of the participants a DEXA bone scan pre -- and post-season will be required. (Pipenberg, 2005: 1). Athletes will be screened and questioned weekly regarding pain, performance, and to see if they exhibit other common symptoms of stress fractures.

Anticipated benefits and risks of taking part in the study

Low bone density and stress fractures, combined with irregular menstruation have long been the bane of long-distance runners, especially females. "The teenage years are the most important ones for the accumulation of peak bone mass, which starts to decline after menopause. Therefore, lack of good bone health during adolescence will increase the risk of stress fractures in the near-term and drastically impair bone health later in life (What is the female athletic triad?" 2006, Female Athletic Triad Coalition).

Who will have access to the study information, and what is the plan for protecting the information?

All information will be kept strictly confidential between the researchers and students, unless the student asks that information be released to her parents and/or coaches. If the student's eating or exercise habits appear to be dangerous to her health, however, she may be released from the study.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will my information be shared with my coach and parents?

All information will be confidential unless you desire otherwise.

I am being recruited by a number of colleges -- how will I know that this information will not be shared?

Again, no information will be shared with anyone without your permission, and remember...

NutraIngredients. Retrieved 19 Feb 2007. http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=74103-calcium-vitamin-d-fracture
DeNoon, Daniel. (2006). "Weight Loss Can Mean Bone Loss: Dieters Who Don't

Exercise at Risk for Weaker Bones." WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang 11 Dec 2006. Retrieved 19 Feb 2007 at http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/130/117776.htm?src=AOLConditionWidget&ncid=cDaKHfNCCG

Pipenberg, Claudia. (Nov 2005). "Thin, Light... And Fragile: What all runners should know about bone health." The Running Times. Retrieved 19 Feb 2007 at http://runningtimes.com/rt/articles/?id=7376&c=375

Stress Fractures." (2006). Mass General Hospital for Children. Retrieved 19 Feb 2007 at http://www.massgeneral.org/children/adolescenthealth/articles/aa_stress_fractures.aspx

What is the female athletic triad?" (2006) Female Athletic Triad Coalition. Retrieved 19 Feb 2007 at http://www.femaleathletetriad.org/faq.html