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Does exercise during growth prevent fractures in later life?
1Clinical and Molecular Osteoporosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
Medicine and Sport Science
|May 17, 2007
Summary
Regular weight-bearing exercise builds strong bones, potentially reducing fracture risk later in life. Long-term benefits may stem from retained bone structure and improved physical function, even after exercise cessation.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Bone biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Weight-bearing exercise during growth significantly enhances bone mass and structure.
- Long-term retention of exercise benefits is crucial for reducing age-related fragility fractures.
- Existing data suggest bone mineral density gains may diminish over time, but structural improvements might persist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term impact of exercise on bone health and fracture risk.
- To explore whether exercise-induced skeletal and non-skeletal benefits persist after cessation of activity.
- To understand the potential for reduced fracture risk in former athletes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on exercise, bone health, and fracture risk.
- Analysis of studies examining long-term effects of exercise cessation.
- Consideration of retrospective observational and case-control studies on former athletes.
Main Results:
- Exercise during growth positively impacts bone mass and structure.
- Bone mineral density benefits may erode long-term, but structural adaptations might be retained.
- Former athletes may experience reduced fracture risk, possibly due to persistent skeletal and non-skeletal advantages.
Conclusions:
- A physically active lifestyle during growth is recommended for long-term fracture prevention.
- Retained bone structural properties and improved physical function may contribute to reduced fracture risk in later life.
- Further research is needed to establish causality and elucidate the mechanisms behind reduced fracture incidence in former athletes.
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