Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
18.4K
Bone Health in Former Artistic Gymnasts Aged 45 Years and Over: Case-Control Comparison with Controls and Reference
Patrícia Arruda de Albuquerque Farinatti1, Cinthia Sousa1, Rodrigo Zacca2,3,4,5
1Graduate Program in Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro 20550-900, Brazil.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Early artistic gymnastics participation significantly boosts bone mineral density, reducing osteoporosis risk in adults over 45. These skeletal benefits persist long-term, offering lasting protection against bone loss.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Bone Physiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Peak bone mass in youth is critical for preventing osteoporosis later in life.
- Artistic gymnastics (AG) is known for its bone-building potential.
- Long-term skeletal effects of AG in adults over 45 are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bone mineral density (BMD) and osteopenia/osteoporosis prevalence in former artistic gymnasts and controls.
- To investigate the enduring skeletal benefits of early-life AG participation in adults.
- To assess the impact of AG on bone health in individuals aged 45 and older.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 65 former gymnasts and 91 age-matched controls.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
- Recorded physical activity during youth (PA-Youth) and the past decade (PA-10), comparing results with large Brazilian and Portuguese reference cohorts.
Main Results:
- Former gymnasts exhibited significantly higher femoral Z-scores (4-6 times greater) compared to controls.
- Osteopenia/osteoporosis prevalence was markedly lower in former gymnasts (3% males, 36% females) versus controls (16% males, 52% females).
- Gymnasts showed superior whole-body and femoral mineralization compared to reference populations, with no osteoporosis cases observed.
Conclusions:
- Early-life participation in artistic gymnastics is linked to lasting skeletal advantages in adults over 45.
- Higher bone mineralization and reduced prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis are key long-term benefits.
- The protective effect on bone health may be less pronounced in older females, potentially due to postmenopausal bone loss.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
5.7K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
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...
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...
5.7K
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
3.8K
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
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...
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...
3.8K
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
4.4K
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during...
4.4K
01:40Bone Remodeling
40.7K
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
40.7K
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
4.0K
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
4.0K
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
5.8K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
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...
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...
5.8K