Physical activity and osteoporosis

Journal/Book: Rehab in Review Vol. 6 Nr.10 1998 / Phys Rehab Kur Med 9 (1999) S. M30. 1998 / 1999;

Abstract: Gregg EW et al.: Physical Activity and Osteoporotic Fracture Risk in Older Women. Ann. Intern. Med. 129 (2) (1998 July 15) 81 - 88 Physical activity has been found to be related to increased bone mass and improved physical functioning. It has accordingly been assumed that activity may reduce the risk for osteoporotic fracture. This study sought to further assess this hypothesis using a prospective cohort study design. Physical activity was assessed by a questionnaire completed by 9704 women 65 years of age or older. Hip and wrist fractures were recorded for an average of 7.6 years after study entry. The incidence of vertebral fracture was determined using radiograph evaluation at baseline and at an average of 3.7 years later. Higher levels of leisure time sport activity and household chores as well as fewer hours of daily sitting were associated with a significantly reduced risk of hip fracture. The most active women (fourth and fifth quintiles) suffered 36% fewer hip fractures as compared with the least active women (lowest quintile). The intensity of physical activity was also related to fracture risk with moderately to vigorously active women having reductions of 42 and 33% in the risk for hip and vertebral fractures respectively as compared with inactive women. Conclusion: Physical activity appears beneficial in reducing the risk of osteoporotic hip fractures. Less substantial benefits were identified for wrist fractures. ___MH

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