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Published on: August 8, 2019
Physical activity and bone turnover markers: a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study
Silvano Adami1, Davide Gatti, Ombretta Viapiana
1Rheumatology Unit, Ospedale di Valeggio, University of Verona, 37067, Valeggio, Verona, Italy. silvano.adami@univr.it
Calcified Tissue International
|October 25, 2008
Summary
Moderate physical activity in premenopausal women significantly impacts bone formation markers like osteocalcin and P1NP. Even small increases in exercise show a clear effect on bone health indicators.
Area of Science:
- Bone Metabolism and Physical Activity
- Premenopausal Women's Health
- Biomarkers of Bone Turnover
Background:
- Strenuous exercise affects bone mass and turnover in youth, but moderate activity's impact in adults is unclear.
- Bone health is crucial for premenopausal women, with physical activity being a modifiable factor.
- Understanding the relationship between physical activity levels and bone turnover markers is essential for preventative health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity levels and bone formation/resorption markers in healthy premenopausal women.
- To determine if a moderate, month-long exercise program can alter bone turnover markers in sedentary premenopausal women.
- To assess the relationship between physical activity and bone mineral density (BMD) in this population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 530 healthy premenopausal women assessing physical activity levels against bone markers (osteocalcin, P1NP, sCTX) and BMD.
- Longitudinal study involving 24 sedentary premenopausal women participating in a 1-month exercise program, with 18 age-matched controls.
- Statistical analysis including ANCOVA to adjust for age and BMI, and analysis of changes in bone markers adjusted for body weight.
Main Results:
- Bone formation markers (osteocalcin, P1NP) were significantly associated with physical activity levels in the cross-sectional cohort, independent of age and BMI.
- Spine BMD showed a statistically significant positive association with physical activity after adjustments.
- In the longitudinal study, serum osteocalcin and P1NP increased significantly (~25%) in the exercise group but not in controls, with changes remaining significant after body weight adjustments.
Conclusions:
- Both cross-sectional and longitudinal data indicate that even minor increases in physical activity positively influence bone formation markers in premenopausal women.
- Moderate physical activity appears to stimulate bone formation, suggesting a beneficial role in maintaining bone health.
- The findings highlight the responsiveness of bone turnover markers to changes in physical activity, even at moderate levels.
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