Stability of sports activities during childhood/adolescence and bone mineral density in adulthood

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the relationship between early sports practice and bone mineral density in adulthood, as well as to identify whether this relationship is independent of the current physical activity. A total of 69 men and 53 women (n= 122) participated. The sample responded to questions about drinking, alcohol drinking and early physical activity. Body composition was assessed through the use of the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Current physical activity was assessed with a pedometer during seven days. Early and current physical activity were positively associated (rho= 0.59; p-value= 0.001). The early physical activity group had higher values of bone mineral content (+6.8%) and leg bone mineral density (+7%). Current physical activity was not associated with bone densitometry. However, early physical activity was positively associated with bone mineral content (β= 0.27 [β_95%CI= 0.06; 0.48]), leg bone mineral density (β= 0.10 [β_95%CI= 0.05; 0.16]) and height (β= 4.50 [β_95%CI= 0.54; 8.46]), independently of other potential confounders, including current physical activity. It is possible to conclude that, in this particular sample, early sports practice is significantly associated with improved bone mass in adulthood, independently of current physical activities.