Skeletal macro- and microstructure adaptations in men undergoing arduous military training

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Bone Physiology
• Military Health

Background:

• Military training involves intense physical activity that can impact bone health.
• Understanding bone's adaptive response to training is crucial for injury prevention and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of basic military training on bone microarchitecture and strength.
• To determine how short-term military training influences tibial bone density, geometry, and microarchitecture.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) was used to assess tibial bone properties in 43 male recruits.
• Measurements included volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), geometry, and microarchitecture at baseline and after 13 weeks of training.
• Concurrent measurements of whole-body areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone metabolism markers were also performed.

Main Results:

• Training increased total body and arm aBMD, as well as trabecular and cortical vBMD in the tibia.
• Significant increases in tibial cortical thickness and area were observed, alongside a reduction in trabecular area.
• Bone metabolism markers showed a decrease in βCTX and an increase in total 25(OH)D.

Conclusions:

• Basic military training leads to significant improvements in tibial bone density and geometry in male recruits.
• The observed osteogenic effects are likely attributed to increased unaccustomed, dynamic, and high-impact loading during training.
• These findings highlight the positive impact of military training on bone adaptation.