ABSTRACT
Two hundred and sixty one men aged between 17 and 21 were questioned concerning their sports activities and underwent "whole body" osteodensitometry. Values found in terms of bone density rose harmoniously and proportionally from the ages of 17 to 21. Studied in terms of sports activities claimed, figures were higher in athletes and this essentially concerning the lower limbs and pelvis. These data contrast a "growth" effect with a "physical activity" effect, the first being of a systemic nature involving total bone mass and the second of a locoregional nature concerning only those bone segments involved in a particular activity. Our study failed to reveal any arguments in favour of spinal bone steal to the advantage of the lower limbs in athletes. The authors feel that "whole body" osteodensitometry by simultaneous and prospective study of bone segments involved or not involved in exercise should enable a distinction to be drawn between the systemic and locoregional effects of physical activity and thus, in the context of primary prevention, to define the optimal calcium intake and physical activity leading to acquisition of maximum bone capital and to maintain it to the best possible extent.
