Comparison of bone mineral content and bone mineral density between dominant and nondominant limbs in children 8-16 years of age.

The bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and bone free lean tissue (BFLT) of dominant limbs were compared to nondominant values in girls and boys 8-16 years of age (girls, n = 124; boys, n = 110). Results showed that BMC, BMD, and BFLT of the dominant arm was significantly greater than of the nondominant arm (P < .01). The differences were found for both boys and girls and across all age groups except for 8 to 9-year-old boys for BMC. There were no differences in BMC or BMD in the legs, but the dominant leg had significantly greater BFLT than the nondominant leg (P < .01). The greater BMC and BMD values of the dominant arm are likely a result of greater mechanical loading (resulting from normal daily activities) of the dominant arm; this speculation is supported by the greater muscularity in the dominant arm. In the legs it is likely that weight bearing and not bias muscular activity is more important in determining bone mineral status. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.