Sclerostin and Muscle Performance Characteristics among College Athletes and Non-Athletes
Lindsay Parker, Hannah McKinney, and Pragya Sharma Ghimire, Ph.D
It has been reported that Wnt signaling pathway plays a critical role in bone metabolism. Animal studies have reported Wnt 7a plays an important role in skeletal muscle growth and improving strength. However, to date, only few studies have examined relationships between circulating levels of sclerostin and muscle function in humans. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the circulating levels of sclerostin levels among athletes and non-athletes. Methods: This was a non-randomized cross-sectional study participated by 17 college athletes and 21 non-athletes age ranges (18-23yrs) old. Blood samples were analysed for serum sclerostin levels. Lower and upper body strength were assessed by vertical jump test and handgrip dynamometry, respectively. Results and Conclusion: Lower body muscle performance variables were significantly higher among athletes. A statistically significant positive relationship was observed between sclerostin and muscle performance variables among non-athletes (p<0.05), which possibly explain the influence of sclerostin in muscle atrophy or disuse.
Lindsay Parker graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School in Cayce, SC. She is a senior Exercise Science major, graduating in May of this year. Lindsay is actively involved in the Physical Education and Exercise Science Club, serves as Representative for the Exercise Science department in Student Government Association, and is a leader for the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. She is involved with research project in PEES Department and has been a student worker for her four years at Lander University.
Hannah McKinney graduated from Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, SC. She is a senior Exercise Science major. She completed an EMT program at York Technical College is an active volunteer EMT. She is a tutor on campus and a member of the Lander University Chamber Strings. She is currently involved with two research projects in the PEES department.