C5. Physical activity and bone health

Question 1

Outline how bone density chances from birth to old age

Answer 1

Bone mass density increases from birth through to around 35-45 years of age. Typically females achieve a lower-peak bone density than males. From this age onwards, bone mass density decreases (especially in women post menopause)

Question 2

Describe the risk of osteoporosis in males and females

Answer 2

Low bone mineral density can lead to osteoporosis which leaves a person more vulnerable to fracturing bones–> mostly females post menopause

Question 3

What are two factors which determine whether or not a person develops osteoporosis?

Answer 3

• their peak bone mass as a young adult
• the rate of bone loss with aging exercise can affect both of these factors

Question 4

Outline the longer-term consequences of osteoporosis in males and females

Answer 4

• independence
• development of secondary complications as a result of long-term hospitalisation and pneumonia
• fragile bones

Question 5

Discuss the major risk factors for osteoporosis

Answer 5

• lack of dietary calcium
• cigarette smoking
• slack of estrogen associated with early menopause
• physical inactivity
• excessive exercise in females who keep their body mass low

Question 6

Explain weight-bearing physical activity in relation to bone health

Answer 6

• Weight-bearing physical activity is good for bone health but in some cases intense training in weight leads to eating disorders leading to menstrual disfunction and bone demineralisation (osteoporosis)
• changes in bone density are site-specific and resistance training results in greater changes than endurance training

Question 7

What is the importance of weight-bearing exercise in children?

Answer 7

Childhood is a crucial time for optimising bone health through exercise. If bone mass is not optimised in childhood than osteoporosis is far more likely to occur in later life