Enough
evidence exists to recommend optimizing bone mass accrual during the pediatric years via
increases in physical activity. It is logical to assume that this strategy may ultimately
prove useful in preventing osteoporosis, although this remains unproven until prospective
studies are carried out in which childhood physical activity is the exposure and the rate
of osteoporotic fracture is the outcome. Retrospective studies of retired adult gymnasts
and weightlifters suggest that the benefits of childhood physical activity continue into
adulthood. Since it is possible for children and
adolescents to participate in bone-enhancing physical activities in a safe manner without
undue disruption of normal school or leisure routines, they should be encouraged to
participate in age-appropriate activities that provide high impact movements,
particularly jumping, hopping, and running. With supervision, weight lifting is also
appropriate since it actively loads bone. Sport, dance, and (for young children) movement
education provide varied and enjoyable bone-healthy activities. When combined with a
suitable diet, these activities are perhaps the best health promotion strategy for
improving bone mass in children and adolescents. Finally, future research should include
more ethnically-diverse populations, larger sample sizes to allow investigators to test
interactions, and better methods for quantifying physical activity and bone
mineralization.
See Physical Activity and Bone Health by K. Khan, H.
McKay, P Kannus, D. Bailey, J. Wark, and K. Bennell for a thorough overview on how
activity impacts bone development in children. (2001, Human Kinetics Publishers:
Champaign, IL)
