One-year change in the second metacarpal bone mass associated with menopause nutrition and physical activity

To clarify the annual changes and effects of nutrition and physical activity on bone mass at the second metacarpal using computed X-ray densitometry.

Population-based prospective follow-up study.

Bone mass measurements and assessments of nutritional intake, exercise habits, and health status were conducted twice with a one-year interval.

269 Japanese women aged 40 - to -80 - years old.

The annual change rate among subjects who started menopause during the observation period was -4.2 +/- 4.9%. Bone mass subsequently continued to decrease 3% annually until 6 years after menopause. Subjects who consumed high levels of milk or calcium in the first year showed no substantial decrease in bone mass among the post-menopausal subjects. Premenopausal subjects who began or continued exercise evidenced increased bone mass, and peri-menopausal subjects who continued exercise or a high level of daily physical activity showed inhibited bone loss.

Second metacarpal bone changed by menopause, nutrition and physical activity similar with other bone site presented in the previous studies.