Abstract
The achievement of an optimal peak bone mass in the second decade of life is the best protection against fractures later in life. Physical exercise contributes to maximal skeletal mineralization in adults. However in adolescents, physical activity (PA) can reduce skeletal mineralization in some sports, while it can improve it in others. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the influence of PA upon skeletal mineralization. This was evaluated by determining bone mineral density (BMD) in total body, lumbar spine and femoral neck, measured by double-photon isotopic absorptiometry (Norland). 144 school children of both sexes, between the ages of 7 and 14 years, with different degrees of PA were recruited. Results were expressed as the mean ± SEM and the level of significance was evaluated by the Student t and F test. With increased physical activity, higher BMD mean values in the femoral neck and the lumbar spine were observed in both sexes. If physical activity was increased, BMD was 110% of the normal standard for pubertal and 108% for prepubertal children. In pubertal school children with decreased PA, BMD was below the normal standard. These results suggest that PA increases skeletal mineralization in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, particularly during puberty.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Burrows, R., Leiva, L., Lillo, R. et al. INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON SKELETAL MINERALIZATION. Pediatr Res 38, 622 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199510000-00034
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199510000-00034