November 9, 2009
As people age fractures increase and bone health decreases. Recent research has highlighted the importance of exercise and calcium supplements to help prevent these problems. However, a new study published in the November/December issue of Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach reveals that there may be significant gains to be made when mature individuals participate in higher impact athletic activities.
Our study represents the largest sample of bone mineral density (BMD) data in mature athletes to date. My colleagues and I were surprised to see that active adult participation in the high-impact sports had such a positive influence on bone health, even in the most oldest athletes,” said Vonda Wright, MD, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
It is clear that not every mature adult can participate in high-impact sports, especially those with hip or knee osteoarthritis. However, this study suggests that high-impact sports can play a significant part in healthy bone aging. With a multi-part approach and the appropriate use of high-impact exercises individuals may be able to make greater strides against bone loss than the current treatment strategies imply,” said Wright.
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