Regular Strength and Sprint Training Counteracts Bone Aging: A 10-Year Follow-Up in Male Masters Athletes.

Cross-sectional and interventional studies suggest that high-intensity strength and impact-type training provide a powerful osteogenic stimulus even in old age. However, longitudinal evidence on the ability of high-intensity training to attenuate age-related bone deterioration is currently lacking. This follow-up study assessed the role of continued strength and sprint training on bone aging in 40- to 85-year-old male sprinters (n = 69) with a long-term training background. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT)-derived bone structural, strength, and densitometric parameters of the distal tibia and tibia midshaft were assessed at baseline and 10 years later. The groups of well-trained (actively competing, sprint training including strength training ≥2 times/week; n = 36) and less-trained (<2 times/week, no strength training, switched to endurance training; n = 33) athletes were formed according to self-reports at follow-up. Longitudinal changes in bone traits in the two groups were examined using linear mixed models. Over the 10-year period, group-by-time interactions were found for distal tibia total bone mineral content (BMC), trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and compressive strength index, and for mid-tibia cortical cross-sectional area, medullary area, total BMC, and BMC at the anterior and posterior sites (polar mass distribution analysis) (p < 0.05). These interactions reflected maintained (distal tibia) or improved (mid-tibia) bone properties in the well-trained and decreased bone properties in the less-trained athletes over the 10-year period. Depending on the bone variable, the difference in change in favor of the well-trained group ranged from 2% to 5%. The greatest differences were found in distal tibia trabecular vBMD and mid-tibia posterior BMC, which remained significant (p < 0.05) after adjustment for multiple testing. In conclusion, our longitudinal findings indicate that continued strength and sprint training is associated with maintained or even improved tibial properties in middle-aged and older male sprint athletes, suggesting that regular, intensive exercise counteracts bone aging. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Physical function and lean body mass as predictors of bone loss after hip fracture: a prospective follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of bone deterioration after hip fracture have not been well characterized. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of physical function and lean body mass (LBM) with loss of bone density and strength in older people recovering from a hip fracture. METHODS: A total of 81 over 60-year-old, community-dwelling men and women operated for a hip fracture participated in this 1-year prospective follow-up study. Distal tibia total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMDTOT, mg/cm3) and compressive strength index (BSI, g2/cm4) and mid-tibia cortical vBMD (vBMDCO, mg/cm3) and bending strength index (SSI, mm3) were assessed in both legs by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at baseline (on average 10 weeks after fracture) and at 12 months. At baseline, LBM was measured with a bioimpedance device and physical function with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and perceived difficulty in walking outdoors. Robust multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of physical function and LBM with the change in bone parameters at 12-months. RESULTS: The mean change in distal tibia vBMDTOT and BSI in both legs ranged from - 0.9 to - 2.5%. The change in mid-tibia vBMDCO and SSI ranged from - 0.5 to - 2.1%. A lower SPPB score, difficulty in walking outdoors and lower LBM predicted greater decline in distal tibia vBMDTOT in both legs. A lower SPPB score and difficulty in walking outdoors were also associated with a greater decline in distal tibia BSI in both legs. At the midshaft site, a lower SPPB score and lower LBM were associated with greater decline in SSI on the fractured side. CONCLUSIONS: Older hip fracture patients with low physical function and lower LBM may be at risk for greater decline in tibia bone properties during the first post-fracture year. Acknowledgement of the risk factors could assist in developing interventions and care to promote bone health and overall recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN53680197. The trial was registered retrospectively but before the recruitment was completed. Registered March 3, 2010.

Effects of a Home-Based Physical Rehabilitation Program on Tibial Bone Structure, Density, and Strength After Hip Fracture: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Weight-bearing physical activity may decrease or prevent bone deterioration after hip fracture. This study investigated the effects of a home-based physical rehabilitation program on tibial bone traits in older hip fracture patients. A population-based clinical sample of men and women operated for hip fracture (mean age 80 years, 78% women) was randomly assigned into an intervention (n = 40) and a standard care control group (n = 41) on average 10 weeks postfracture. The intervention group participated in a 12-month home-based rehabilitation intervention, including evaluation and modification of environmental hazards, guidance for safe walking, nonpharmacological pain management, motivational physical activity counseling, and a progressive, weight-bearing home exercise program comprising strengthening exercises for the lower legs, balance training, functional exercises, and stretching. All participants received standard care. Distal tibia (5% proximal to the distal end plate) compressive bone strength index (BSI; g2/cm4), total volumetric BMD (vBMDTOT; mg/cm3), and total area (CSATOT; mm2), as well as midtibia (55%) strength-strain index (SSI; mm3), cortical vBMD (vBMDCO; mg/cm3), and ratio of cortical to total area (CSACO/CSATOT) were assessed in both legs by pQCT at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. The intervention had no effect (group × time) on either the distal or midtibial bone traits. At the distal site, BSI of both legs, vBMDTOT of the fractured side, and CSATOT of the nonfractured side decreased significantly over time in both groups 0.7% to 3.1% (12 months, p < 0.05). At the midshaft site, CSACO/CSATOT and SSI of both legs, and vBMDCO of the fractured leg, decreased significantly over time in both groups 1.1% to 1.9% (12 months, p < 0.05). Trabecular and cortical bone traits of the tibia on the fractured and the nonfractured side deteriorated throughout follow-up. The home-based physical rehabilitation intervention aimed at promoting mobility recovery was unable to prevent bone deterioration in older people after hip fracture. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.