Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 2, 2025
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
The influence of biological maturation and neuromuscular performance on peak bone mineral density in children
Paulo F de Almeida-Neto1, Ricardo F Arrais2, Dihogo G de Matos3,4
1Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil - paulojitte@ufrn.edu.br.
Background:
The growth and development cycle of the adult is characterized by substantial changes in physical size and maturity, and is controlled by the simultaneous influence of genetic components and the environment. Changes in the development of bones, muscles and adipose tissue are among the most important aspects of adolescent physical development. The aim of this research was to examine the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and neuromuscular performance in children at different stages of maturation.
Methods:
The study included 31 participants of both sexes (11.7±1.89 years). Body composition was assessed through bone densitometry using an energy duo X-ray source. The neuromuscular performance of the upper limbs was analyzed by the medicine ball hand grip and throwing tests. The lower limbs by the vertical counter-motion jump test, and skeletal maturation was analyzed by bone age. Maturation was used as an effect control between the association of BMD and neuromuscular performance.
Results:
The results demonstrated significant associations between the performance of upper (P<0.0001) and lower (P=0.01) limbs and BMD. On inter-group comparison for only the accelerated maturational stage, male participants had greater BMD than female participants (P=0.001; effect size 3.13). Regarding the maturational stages, male participants in the accelerated maturational stage demonstrated higher BMD than those in the normal and delayed maturational stages (P=0.04; effect size 3.10), whereas female participants did not demonstrate significant differences in BMD accumulation.
Conclusions:
BMD has a strong correlation with the neuromuscular performance of upper and lower limbs of children of both sexes.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:17Hormones 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...
01:10Nature and Nurture
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...
01:40Bone Remodeling