Sophomore lacrosse player and student Marissa Zeno has made quite the impression at the Greater New York American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Regional Chapter Fall 2023 conference. This highly esteemed event brought together experts in the field of sports medicine and health sciences at the NYU Langone Health in New York City on November 11.
Zeno, who also works as a research assistant for Dr. Andreas Stamatis, presented her groundbreaking research titled “Exploring the Role of Mental Toughness in Bone Mineral Content: A Preliminary Study.” This study was the result of a collaborative effort between the University of Louisville (UofL), UofL Health, Baylor University, and Texas Tech University.
The research aims to understand the connection between mental toughness and bone mineral content, a crucial factor in assessing bone health. Utilizing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the Mental Toughness Index, the study controlled for various variables like age, sex, race, and BMI to isolate the influence of mental toughness on bone mineral content. The results of the study reveal a significant correlation between mental toughness and bone mineral content, indicating its significance in maintaining healthy bones.
These findings hold significant importance as they establish, for the first time, a statistically and practically significant link between mental toughness and bone mineral content. This suggests that individuals with higher levels of mental toughness are likely to have greater bone mineral content. This discovery holds tremendous value for the sports science community and opens up possibilities for future interventions targeting the enhancement of mental toughness to improve bone health. Notably, Zeno’s research was published in the esteemed International Journal of Exercise Science.
This achievement is a testament to Zeno’s dedication and her contribution to the field of sports medicine and health sciences. Her research has shed light on an important aspect of bone health and has the potential to guide future interventions in this area. Zeno’s work has been recognized at a prestigious conference and published in a reputable journal, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of sports science.
