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Associations between physical physique/fitness in children and bone development during puberty: a 4-year longitudinal
Arata Akaike1, Daisuke Suzuki2, Shinya Okuyama2
1Department of Social Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8562, Japan. arata.a@outlook.com.
Scientific Reports
|August 4, 2022
Summary
Pubertal physique and strength positively impact bone density. Building muscle mass before age 10/11 in girls and after 10/11 in boys may enhance peak bone mass.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Puberty is a critical period for bone growth.
- Understanding factors influencing bone mineral density (BMD) is key for preventing osteoporosis.
- Physique and physical strength are potential modulators of bone development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between physique, physical strength, and bone health markers during puberty.
- To identify optimal timing for physique development to maximize peak bone mass.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 277 pubertal participants (10/11 and 14/15 years old).
- Assessed physique indices (e.g., muscle ratio), grip strength, bone density (osteo sono-assessment index, OSI), and bone metabolism markers.
- Correlational analyses were performed to examine associations.
Main Results:
- Positive correlations between body size/grip strength and OSI were observed in girls (10/11 yrs) and boys (14/15 yrs).
- Changes in body muscle ratio correlated positively with changes in OSI in both sexes.
- Early physique measures (height, muscle ratio, grip strength) at 10/11 years predicted later OSI and bone metabolism markers at 14/15 years.
Conclusions:
- Physique and strength are significant determinants of bone mineral density during puberty.
- Targeted physique development strategies, considering sex-specific timing, can optimize peak bone mass acquisition.
- Interventions focusing on muscle mass and strength may be beneficial for long-term bone health.
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