A systematic review of methods and findings from cohort studies with young adults

The Study: Physical activity during life course and bone mass: a systematic review of methods and findings from cohort studies with young adults

The Facts:
a. The authors were interested in the effect of physical activity on bone mineral density in young adults.
b. They reviewed the existing literature and selected 19 manuscripts for inclusion in their review.
c. The included studies did not show a consensus but did seem to indicate that participation in sports during the periods of growth and during young adulthood promoted bone density.
d. The authors felt that “promoting vigorous-intensity activity especially” for females was important to reduce osteoporosis risks.

Take Home:
It appears that the time to start thinking about osteoporosis is years before it becomes a crisis.

Reviewer’s Comments:
We’ve all hear that you have to use it or lose it but in this case it appears that you have to use it to even get it in the first place. Reviewer: Roger Coleman DC

Reference: Bielemann RM, Martinez-Mesa J, Gigante DP. Physical activity during life course and bone mass: a systematic review of methods and findings from cohort studies with young adults. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2013 Mar 4;14:77

Link to Abstract:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23497066