Bone Mass Development in Childhood and Its Association with Physical Activity and Vitamin D Levels. The CHAMPS-Study DK

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined associations of bone mass with physical activity and vitamin D level over more than 6 years through puberty. A total of 663 participants (320 boys) with mean age 9.6 years at baseline (10-17 years at follow-up), underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometry and blood samples for vitamin D at least twice during the study period (with three possible time-points). Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers at follow-up. A positive association was found between percent time spent at vigorous physical activity and total-body less head bone mineral content (β = 5.8, p = 0.002). The magnitude of this association increased with maturational development; thus physical activity may have a greater influence on bone mass in the more mature participants. The vitamin D levels were also positively associated with bone mass. A high degree of tracking was observed with changes in anthropometric Z scores predictive of deviation from tracking. No environmental factor predicted deviation from tracking.

Is device-measured vigorous physical activity associated with health-related outcomes in children and adolescents? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The Rønne et al's. study 31 meta-analyzed here and the aforementioned Metcalf et al's study 40 underpin the notion that greater attention should be placed on promoting high-impact VPA throughout adolescence and emerging adulthood to maximize bone strength and reduce fracture risk. Indeed, Ivuškāns et al 45 also found that increases in VPA during a 12-month period favors bone mineral acquisition in peripubertal boys.…”

“…A total of 3612 potentially relevant articles were identified, and, after screening for duplicates, 601 full-text studies were assessed for inclusion after checking titles and abstracts. Finally, 23 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 and 21 in the meta-analysis. The reasons for exclusion based on full texts are reported in Supplementary Material 2.…”

“…Regarding health-related outcomes, most studies reported data on adiposity, 26 , 27 , 28 , 32 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 47 , 48 cardiometabolic risk factors, 26 , 30 , 32 , 35 , 38 bone outcomes, 29 , 31 , 33 , 36 , 39 , 40 , 45 , 46 and health-related physical fitness 27 , 38 , 41 , 48 ( Table 1 ).…”

Long-Term Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Obese Children During Integrated Weight–Loss Programme—A Double Blind Randomized Placebo–Controlled Trial

“…While some authors claimed a decrease in bone mass relative to body weight [46], others did not document significant differences in bone mineral density [47] or showed an increase in body mass and bone size in obese children, adolescents and adults. Increased bone mass and density observed in obese individuals is postulated to be a response to greater mechanical load, direct influence of leptin or enhanced enzymatic activity of aromatase [48,49]. Nevertheless, obesity markedly increases the risk of bone fractures in children [50].…”

Narrative review of the influence of high-intensity interval training on adolescents’ bone health: commentary and perspectives

“…The development of bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) during childhood and adolescence is substantial and may attenuate the incidence and effects of osteoporosis later in life (1). Recent study assessed 663 Danish students over 6 years from childhood to adolescence and found positive associations between the level of physical activity and bone health (2). Systematic reviews have shown that physical activity, as well as weight-…”