Bone Quality and Quantity are Mediated by Mechanical Stimuli

Abstract

Prevention of fracture through improved bone mechanical strength is of great importance given the large number of bone disease-related fractures each year, the decreased quality of life associated with fractures, and the large anticipated increase in fracture incidence over the upcoming years due to the aging population. Exercise and other forms of mechanical stimulation have been shown to increase bone mass, suggesting improved strength. However, while bone mass is a good indicator of strength, other components (such as bone quality) also contribute to bone mechanical integrity. While increased bone mass has been explored considerably using both exercise and targeted loading models, the role of mechanical stimulation in altering bone quality has been explored to a lesser degree. Understanding how to improve both the quantity and quality of bone is critical to increasing fracture resistance. Herein, we discuss quantity and quality-based improvements that have been observed using both exercise and targeted loading models of bone adaptation.

Factores que influyen sobre los resultados de los ensayos de ultra-microindentación ósea. Un estudio experimental en ratas

“…Therefore, increased load is usually associated with increased bone mass, while discharge causes a rapid loss of bone density. It is less known that mechanical stimulation can cause changes in bone quality 7 . Although the real relevance of such an effect is still unclear, it can also help explain the differences we have observed between skeletal regions and between groups undergoing various interventions.…”

“…These properties determine bone quality, a concept that represents the intrinsic capacity of tissue to resist tension states, regardless of the amount of material (bone density) or its spatial distribution (bone architec-ture). Bone quality depends on the chemical composition and organization of the bone matrix 7 .…”

Targeting Mechanotransduction in Osteosarcoma: A Comparative Oncology Perspective

“…The bone is a dynamic tissue that provides structural support to the human body throughout one’s life; as such, it must be able to undergo adaptive processes to maintain structural integrity during various mechanical stimuli, such as walking and running [ 1 ]. The ability of bone to respond to mechanical loading has been known for centuries.…”