The Role of Exercise in the Attainment of Peak Bone Mass and Bone Strength

Position statement on youth resistance training: the 2014 International Consensus

“…While children have a lower risk of resistance training-related injury to joint sprains and muscle strains than adults,103 attention to initial postural alignment and technical competency during all exercises throughout the training programme is essential to ensure safe and effective practice irrespective of resistance training mode. While numerous factors, including genetics and nutritional status influence skeletal health, regular participation in sports and fitness programmes, which include multijoint, moderate-to-high intensity resistance exercise, can help to optimise bone-mineral accrual during childhood and adolescence 23 24 97 104 – 110. In fact, the literature suggests that childhood and adolescence are indeed key developmental periods for increasing bone-mineral density, and that failure to participate in moderate-to-vigorous weight-bearing physical activity during these stages of growth may predispose individuals to long-term bone-health implications 24 95 111.…”