Association Between Physical Activity and Forearm Bone Mineral Density in 20-72-year-olds

Physical activity may influence bone mineral density (BMD) in different ways. In the present study the amount of physical activity and the associations between forearm BMD, body mass index, physical activity and several other lifestyle factors were explored. A random sample of the population in a Swedish municipality was invited to the study and examined by a questionnaire and by forearm bone mineral measurements using single photon absorptiometry. Forearm BMD was measured in 880 subjects. Forearm BMD was stable from 20 to 50 years of age in women and from 20 to 60 years of age in men. Reported moderate leisure-time physical activity levels in men were significantly associated with higher forearm BMD than low leisure-time physical activity levels ( p = 0.042). The findings that moderate levels of leisure-time physical activity in men were associated with higher forearm BMD, give some support to the hypothesis that increased amount of physical activity in a population might be of benefit in the prevention of osteoporosis. Further longitudinal studies of the effect of physical activity in the prevention of osteoporosis, falls and fractures are warranted.