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Role of physical activity in the development of skeletal mass in children
C W Slemenda1, J Z Miller, S L Hui
1Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
Insights
Physical activity in childhood significantly boosts bone mineral density (BMD) in the radius and hip. This prospective study highlights the importance of weight-bearing activities for skeletal development in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Childhood is a critical period for bone mass accrual.
- Physical activity is a known modulator of bone health.
- Understanding the relationship between specific activities and bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for optimizing skeletal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity and bone mineral density (BMD) in children.
- To identify specific types of physical activity that positively influence skeletal mass.
- To examine the relationship between calcium supplementation and bone mass in children.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 118 children aged 5.3–14 years.
- Physical activity assessed via questionnaires administered to children and mothers, with repeated assessments every 6 months.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) measured at the radius, spine, and hip.
Main Results:
- Consistent positive associations were found between most physical activities and BMD in the radius, spine, and hip.
- Total hours of weight-bearing activity significantly correlated with BMD in the radius and hip, independent of age and gender.
- Time spent watching television or in physical education classes showed no significant association with skeletal mass.
Conclusions:
- Childhood physical activity, particularly weight-bearing activities, plays a significant role in increasing bone mineral density (BMD).
- Promoting sports and active play may be beneficial for enhancing skeletal mass during childhood.
- Further research into calcium supplementation and its interaction with physical activity is warranted.
Abstract:
A group of 118 children, aged 5.3-14 years, were enrolled in a prospective study of calcium supplementation and bone mass. At entry to the study, questionnaires regarding the child's usual physical activity were administered to the children and their mothers. Repeated activity assessments at 6 month intervals indicated good within-person agreement for total activity and for most individual activities. Consistent positive associations were observed between bone mineral densities (BMD) in the radius, spine, and hip and most activities. A summary measure (total hours of weight-bearing activity) was significantly related to BMD in the radius and hip, independently of age or gender effects. Self-reported sports and play activities were associated with BMD, but neither time spent watching television nor hours of physical education classes were associated either positively or negatively with skeletal mass. These data suggest that important increments in skeletal mass may result from physical activity during childhood.