Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025
Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model for Studying Bone Strain During Dynamic Motion
Published on: April 11, 2018
Skeletal Loading: Lean and Bone Mass Development in Young Elite Male Gymnasts, Swimmers, and Nonathletes Aged
1School of Sport and Wellbeing, Faculty of Health Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds,United Kingdom.
Background:
Exercise optimizes peak bone mass accrual, particularly if the loading is high magnitude and distributed in abnormal directions. Little is known about the influence of early intense training in sport during peak bone mass accrual, especially in boys.
Methods:
Ninety-eight males aged 6-24 years (gymnasts, swimmers, and controls) completed the bone-specific physical activity questionnaire and a 7-day exercise diary. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry determined bone mineral properties of the total body (less head) and lumbar spine (LS, L1-L4) and total lean mass. Subgroup analyses were conducted for juniors (prepubescent), adolescents (11-16 y), and seniors (17-24 y).
Results:
Lean mass was positively associated with total body less head and LS bone outcomes in all 3 age groups (R2 = .632-.770, P < .05), and bone-specific physical activity questionnaire scores were associated with LS bone mineral density in adolescents and seniors (R2 = .440 and .591, P < .05). Senior gymnasts had significantly higher LS bone mineral density (in grams per square centimeter) and Z-scores than swimmers (P = .004) and controls (P = .012).
Conclusions:
Elite gymnastics is associated with superior peak bone mass accrual in young males. The benefits appear more pronounced during young adulthood compared with prepuberty, potentially reflecting an extended time course for bone adaptation.
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...
01:22The Functions of the Skeletal System
01:20Introduction to the Skeletal System
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
01:40Bone Remodeling