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Published on: July 5, 2017
Exercise when young provides lifelong benefits to bone structure and strength
Stuart J Warden1, Robyn K Fuchs, Alesha B Castillo
1Department of Physical Therapy, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA.
Summary
Short-term exercise during growth significantly improved bone structure and strength, offering lifelong benefits. These findings suggest that early physical activity may reduce fracture risk later in life.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Bone Biology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The growing skeleton is highly responsive to exercise, yet most fractures occur in adults.
- Investigating if exercise-induced skeletal adaptations during growth persist into adulthood is crucial for understanding lifelong bone health.
- This study addresses the disparity between peak skeletal responsiveness and fracture incidence in different life stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if brief exercise during skeletal growth leads to lasting changes in bone quantity, structure, quality, and mechanical properties.
- To assess the long-term effects of early-life exercise on the adult skeleton.
- To evaluate the antifracture potential of exercise interventions during development.
Main Methods:
- Young Sprague-Dawley rats underwent axial compression loading of the forearm for 7 weeks.
- Bone quantity and structure were measured before, during, and after detraining.
- After 92 weeks of detraining, bone quality and mechanical properties (ultimate force, fatigue life) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Exercise significantly enhanced bone structure, particularly the minimum second moment of area (I(MIN)).
- While bone quantity changes were not sustained, structural adaptations persisted lifelong.
- Exercised bones exhibited greater strength (ultimate force) and 10-fold greater fatigue life, despite increased brittleness.
Conclusions:
- Exercise during skeletal growth confers lifelong benefits on bone structure and strength.
- These findings challenge the "use it or lose it" principle for the skeleton, suggesting early exercise can reduce fracture risk.
- Encouraging impact exercise during skeletal development is recommended for long-term bone health.
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