Understanding the importance of peak bone mass

Skeletal Loading: Lean and Bone Mass Development in Young Elite Male Gymnasts, Swimmers, and Nonathletes Aged 6-24 Years

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.

A survey of the effect of an information-motivation-behavioral model-based intervention on university students' osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs, and self-efficacy

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of a Healthy Living Awareness Program for the Prevention of Osteoporosis based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model (HLAPPO-IMB) in university students [intervention group (n = 43), control group (n = 44)]. The intervention group completed the online training to prevent osteoporosis in the information stage of the IMB. In the motivation stage, the researchers texted (WhatsApp) the intervention group spot and reminder notifications concerning the prevention of osteoporosis. They also provided them with telephone counseling. In the final stage, the researchers evaluated whether the intervention group participants developed target behavioral skills. The intervention group had significantly higher mean posttest and follow-up Osteoporosis Knowledge Test scores than the control group (respectively, r = .519, r = .513, p < .001), indicating a large effect size in the posttest and follow-up test. There was no significant difference in pretest and follow-up Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, Osteoporosis Self-Effective Scale, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form scores between the groups (p > .05). The results showed that the HLAPPO-IMB helped the intervention group participants expand their knowledge of osteoporosis. However, it did not improve their self-efficacy in doing weight-bearing exercises, taking calcium, and engaging in physical activity.