A new study found that exercise when men are younger can improve bone mineral density and decrease risk for fractures later in life. The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
In the study more than 60 athletes and about 20 non-athletes (controls) were enrolled at an average age of 17 years. They were followed for 8 years and during that time athletic training and exercise activities were recorded along with bone mineral density.
At onset of the study the athletes had a greater bone mineral density than the non-athletes on average. As the study progressed, bone mineral density increased in the athlete group while it remained the same in the control group.
After five years nearly one half the athletes had quit their usuall exercise routine and saw a significant decline in bone mineral density compared to those athletes that continued to exercise. A second follow up of athletes found that those who quit exercising lost more bone mineral density than athletic counterparts and the non-athletes. They did however have a greater starting bone mineral density, so their bone mineral density was still above that of the non-athletes on average.
At completion of the study eight years later, the athletes still had a greater bone mineral density than the non-athletes, regardless of whether they are still exercising.
The authors concluded that exercise in men during the teenage years helps to build bone mineral density and continued exercise slows the normal decline in bone mineral density. Boys and men who were active as a child have a greater bone mineral density than those who are not active in sports or other exercise routines. This exercise related increase in bone mineral density protects the men from a greater decline in bone mineral density as they age, which can protect them from fractures of the hip and lower spine.
They estimated that the reduction in fracture risk may be as great as 50% for boys and men who were active during their youth. Combine this positive effect of exercise with other health benefits and the conclusion is easy: Boys (and girls) cannot benefit enough from a routine exercise program.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 9, 2006 03:11 PM
