Bone histomorphometric measures of physical activity in children from medieval England

Histomorphometric studies show consistent links between physical activity patterns and the microstructure underlying the size and shape of bone. Here, we adopt a combined bone approach to explore variation in microstructure of ribs and humeri related to physical activity and historical records of manual labor in skeletal samples of children (n = 175) from medieval England. The humerus reflects greater biomechanically induced microstructural variation than the rib which is used here as a control. Variation in microstructure is sought between regions in England (Canterbury, York, Newcastle), and between high- and low-status children from Canterbury.

Thin-sections were prepared from the humerus or rib and features of bone remodeling were recorded using high-resolution microscopy and image analysis software.

The density and size of secondary osteons in the humerus differed significantly in children from Canterbury when compared to those from York and Newcastle. Among the older children, secondary osteon circularity and diameter differed significantly between higher and lower status children.

By applying bone remodeling principles to the histomorphometric data, we infer that medieval children in Canterbury engaged in less physically demanding activities than children from York or Newcastle. Within Canterbury, high-status and low-status children experienced similar biomechanical loading until around 7 years of age. After this age low-status children performed activities that resulted in more habitual loading on their arm bones than the high-status children. This inferred change in physical activity is consistent with historical textual evidence that describes children entering the work force at this age.