Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Role of physical activity in bone health in peripubertal boys
Arturs Ivuškāns1, Toivo Jürimäe, Evelin Lätt
1Faculty of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Centre of Behavioural, Social and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
Background:
The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship of physical activity level to bone mineral parameters in 11-13-year-old boys.
Methods:
In total, 264 boys, divided into normal weight (n = 154) and overweight (n = 110), participated in this study. Physical activity was measured via 7 day accelerometry and bone mineral parameters using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results:
In overweight boys, vigorous physical activity was associated with total bone mineral density (BMD), total bone mineral content (BMC), while moderate-vigorous physical activity MVPA was associated with femoral neck BMD. In normal weight boys, however, only vigorous physical activity was associated with femoral neck BMD. When the normal weight group was divided into tertiles according to MVPA, femoral neck BMD was higher in the highest tertile compared to the lowest tertile. No other significant differences were found in bone mineral parameters according to the tertiles of MVPA.
Conclusions:
In overweight peripubertal boys, physical activity is more associated with bone mineral parameters compared to normal weight subjects. In addition to vigorous physical activity, moderate physical activity has a significant impact on bone mineral parameters in overweight subjects.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:27Signs of Puberty
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...