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The long-term residual effects of low-magnitude mechanical stimulation therapy on skeletal health
Kyle A Bodnyk1, Kyle S Kuchynsky1, Megan Balgemann1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, 1080 Carmack Rd, Columbus, OH 43210 USA.
Background:
Low-magnitude mechanical stimulation (LMMS) may improve skeletal health. The objective of this research was to investigate the long-term residual effects of LMMS on bone health. 10-week old female mice were given LMMS for 8 weeks; SHAM did not receive LMMS. Some groups remained on study for an additional 8 or 16 weeks post treatment (N = 17).
Results:
Epiphyseal trabecular mineralizing surface to bone surface ratio (MS/BS) and bone formation rate (BFR/BS) were significantly greater in the LMMS group compared to the SHAM group at 8 weeks by 92 and 128% respectively. Mineral apposition rate (MAR) was significantly greater in the LMMS group 16 weeks post treatment by 14%.Metaphyseal trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) increased by 18%, bone volume tissue volume ratio (BV/TV) increased by 37%, and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th.) increased by 10% with LMMS at 8 weeks post treatment. Significant effects 16 weeks post treatment were maintained for BV/TV and Tb.Th. The middle-cortical region bone volume (BV) increased by 4% and cortical thickness increased by 3% with 8-week LMMS.
Conclusions:
LMMS improves bone morphological parameters immediately after and in some cases long-term post LMMS. Results from this work will be helpful in developing treatment strategies to increase bone health in younger individuals.
