Bone fracture

Exercise in Early Life Could Help Prevent Osteoporosis Later

Peak bone strength is associated with time spent doing moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during adolescence, according to a recent study.1  

Peak bone strength is known to be a marker for future risk of fracture and osteoporosis. To examine potential modifiable factors for bone strength, the researchers analyzed data from 2569 individuals who were included in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

All participants underwent measurement of their physical activity up to 4 times through the use of accelerometers at ages 12, 14, 16, and/or 25 years. The measurement used to define bone strength was femur neck bone mineral density (BMD) taken at age 25 years.  

The researchers found that MVPA during adolescence was associated with greater measurements of bone strength compared with MVPA during adulthood and, further, that MVPA in early adolescence could be of greater benefit than MVPA in later adolescence. The results also suggested that in addition to physical activity level, higher-impact activities are also associated with greater hip strength. 

“The results highlight adolescence as a potentially important period for bone development through high intensity exercise, which could benefit future bone health and prevent osteoporosis in later life. We have also confirmed other studies showing that levels of MVPA decline through adolescence. Our findings show it is really important to support young people to remain active at this age,” concluded lead author and senior research associate in epidemiology, Dr Ahmed Elhakeem, in a press release.2  

—Leigh Precopio 

References:

  1. Elhakeem A, Heron J, Tobias JH, Lawlor DA. Physical activity throughout adolescence and peak hip strength in young adults. Published online August 17, 2020. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(8):e2013463. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.13463
  2. High intensity physical activity in early life could lead to stronger bones in adulthood. News release. University of Bristol. August 17, 2020. Accessed August 19, 2020. http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2020/august/hip-bone-strength-research.html