Exercise Early and Often: Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on Women’s Bone Health

Karen L. Troy, Megan E. Mancuso, Tiffiny A. Butler and Joshua E. Johnson
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Karen L. Troy: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01545 USA
Megan E. Mancuso: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01545 USA
Tiffiny A. Butler: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01545 USA
Joshua E. Johnson: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01545 USA

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: In 2011 over 1.7 million people were hospitalized because of a fragility fracture, and direct costs associated with osteoporosis treatment exceeded 70 billion dollars in the United States. Failure to reach and maintain optimal peak bone mass during adulthood is a critical factor in determining fragility fracture risk later in life. Physical activity is a widely accessible, low cost, and highly modifiable contributor to bone health. Exercise is especially effective during adolescence, a time period when nearly 50% of peak adult bone mass is gained. Here, we review the evidence linking exercise and physical activity to bone health in women. Bone structure and quality will be discussed, especially in the context of clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis. We review the mechanisms governing bone metabolism in the context of physical activity and exercise. Questions such as, when during life is exercise most effective, and what specific types of exercises improve bone health, are addressed. Finally, we discuss some emerging areas of research on this topic, and summarize areas of need and opportunity.

Keywords: bone mineral density; areal bone mineral density; volumetric bone mineral density; quantitative computed tomography; high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography; structure; mechanical loading; bone adaptation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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