ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Exercise and physical activity may increase bone mineral density (BMD), especially in premenopausal women. However, previous studies have concentrated on postmenopausal women. This study was conducted to evaluate the independent associations of exercise and physical activity with BMD in premenopauseal women. MATERIAL & METHODS: One hundred premenopausal women were recruited from outpatient clinics and a health promotion center in a university hospital located in Seoul. We measured the BMD of lumbar spine and hip using dual energy X-ray absoptiometry. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and exercise status were obtained from self-reported questionnaires. The Stanford questionnaire was used to assess physical activity. RESULTS: Age and body mass index-adjusted ANCOVA revealed that the mean BMD at the spine and hip was not significantly associated with exercise time. The mean BMD at the spine was significantly higher in women who exercised regularly > or =3 a week than in women who exercised or =3 times every week had significantly higher spine BMDs. The increase in physical activity was significantly associated with higher BMD at the spine and femur neck.