The effect of a high-impact jumping intervention on bone mass, bone stiffness and fitness parameters in adolescent athletes

Abstract

SummaryThis study demonstrates that a 9-month jumping intervention can improve bone mass gains and physical fitness performance in adolescent males participating in non-osteogenic sports, such as swimming and cycling.PurposeTo examine the effect of a jumping intervention on bone mass, bone stiffness and fitness parameters in adolescents involved in different sports.MethodsNinety-three adolescent male swimmers (SWI), footballers (FOO) and cyclists (CYC) were randomised to intervention (INT) and sport (INT-SWI = 19, INT-FOO = 15, INT-CYC = 14) or sport only (CON-SWI = 18, CON-FOO = 15, CON-CYC = 12) groups. The 9-month jumping intervention consisted of 3 levels (12 weeks each) of 20 repetitions per set of counter movement jumps (CMJ) using adjustable weight vests (level 1 = 20 CMJ jumps/set, 0 kg, 3 sets/day, 3 times/week; level 2 = 20 CMJ jumps/set, 2 kg, 4 sets/day, 3 times/week; level 3 = 20 CMJ jumps/set, 5 kg, 4 sets/day, 4 times/week). Total body bone mineral content (BMC) at total body less head (TBLH) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and bone stiffness using quantitative ultrasound. Fitness was assessed using the 20-m shuttle run (20mSRT), CMJ and standing long jump (SLJ) tests.ResultsINT-SWI had significantly higher increase in BMC legs and bone stiffness compared to CON-SWI (4.2–12.7%). INT-CYC had significantly higher increase in BMC at TBLH and legs and bone stiffness compared to CON-CYC (5.0–12.3%). There were no significant differences between INT-FOO and CON-FOO in any bone outcomes (0.9–3.9%). The increase in CMJ performance was significantly higher in INT-SWI (3.1 cm) and INT-CYC (3.2 cm) compared to CON-SWI and CON-CYC groups, respectively.ConclusionsA 9-month jumping intervention can improve bone mass, bone stiffness and muscular fitness in adolescent males participating in non-osteogenic sports, such as swimming and cycling.Clinical Trial RegistrationISRCTN17982776.

Stimulation of Piezo1 by mechanical signals promotes bone anabolism

“…One possible limitation of such an approach would be the functions of Piezo1 in other tissues, such as the vasculature. However, it is important to note that bone anabolism requires only transient mechanical stimulation of the skeleton in rodents or humans (Vlachopoulos et al, 2018; Hinton et al, 2015; Kato et al, 2006). Therefore, it is possible that selectivity for bone anabolism may be achieved by administration regimes that result in only transient activation of Piezo1 by ligands such as Yoda1.…”

Position Statement: Exercise Guidelines to Increase Peak Bone Mass in Adolescents

“…A well-designed resistance exercise program must emphasize education regarding proper lifting form, adequate supervision, and effectively scaled lifting. [56] A teacher trained in physical education can provide such education and management during class to implement this effective strategy aimed at improving PBM in this population. A resistance exercise program using weight-bearing PA that is relatively easier to learn and teach and does not require specialized equipment is preferred over training methods that require high levels of technical expertise, or the use of weight machines and equipment that is not easily available, and/or methods that involve relatively difficult postures.…”

The effect of an online exercise programme on bone health in paediatric cancer survivors (iBoneFIT): study protocol of a multi-centre randomized controlled trial

“…A recent longitudinal review showed that higher levels of muscular fitness in childhood and adolescent were associated with higher aBMD later in life [101]. Moreover, jumping interventions have shown improvements in both muscular fitness and bone health [38,39,102]. In this regard, Vlachopoulos et al [39] reported an increase in physical fitness (3.7-7.9%) and BMC at TBLH and legs (4.2-12.7%) in non-osteogenic sports.…”

“…Moreover, jumping interventions have shown improvements in both muscular fitness and bone health [38,39,102]. In this regard, Vlachopoulos et al [39] reported an increase in physical fitness (3.7-7.9%) and BMC at TBLH and legs (4.2-12.7%) in non-osteogenic sports. Additionally, Vlachopoulos et al [38] showed that a 9-month plyometric training improved LS BMC (4.6%) and femoral neck BMC (6-9.8%) in non-osteogenic sports.…”

“…Mackelvie et al [37] showed that a 7-month jumping intervention (10 min, 3 times/week) enhanced bone mass in the femoral neck and lumbar spine in pubertal girls. Additionally, Vlachopoulos et al [38,39] found that a 9-month jumping intervention (10 min, 3 to 4 times/week) improved bone outcomes in adolescent males participating in nonosteogenic sports and with poorer bone health.…”