Skeletal loading score is associated with bone microarchitecture in young adults

Area of Science:

• Bone biology and biomechanics
• Exercise physiology
• Human skeletal adaptations

Background:

• High strain magnitude and loading rates in physical activity are crucial for bone health.
• The long-term impact of osteogenic activities during youth and adulthood on bone microarchitecture and strength remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the association between a novel skeletal loading (SkL) score, reflecting physical activity from adolescence to adulthood, and bone microarchitecture in young adults.
• To compare the SkL score's effectiveness with the bone-specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) in predicting bone outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving young Black and White adults (mean age 23.7 years).
• High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) assessed tibial bone microarchitecture and estimated strength.
• A comprehensive SkL score was derived, considering activity type, loading characteristics, and life period, alongside the BPAQ.

Main Results:

• The SkL score showed significant associations with cortical bone parameters (area, porosity, thickness, mineral density) and trabecular bone characteristics (thickness, number, mineral density).
• SkL score was also strongly linked to bone stiffness and failure load.
• The BPAQ demonstrated significant associations with bone parameters, though to a lesser extent than the SkL score.

Conclusions:

• Increased osteogenic physical activity, as measured by SkL score and BPAQ, is linked to enhanced bone microarchitecture and strength in young adults.
• These physical activity assessment scores may help identify individuals at higher risk of fracture.