Mulkearns, Sara, Naughton, Geraldine, Carlson, John and Wark, J (1998) An investigation into the relationship between physical activity and bone health. ACHPER Australia Healthy Lifestyles Journal, 45 (1). pp. 26-28. ISSN 1445-8918

Abstract

This study assessed the status of bone health in prepubertal females (9-11 years) during a school based intervention program involving a weight bearing physical education curriculum over a two- year period. A primary physical education specialist conducted three extra (30 min) physical education classes a week. Two schools comprised the activity group (N=​38) and two schools from a similar demographic area made up an age-matched control group (N=​33). All participants were tested for baseline data and at the completion of each year. Bone mineral density measurements were made using a dual x-ray energy method (Hologic QDR 2000+ absorptiometer). After two years, the activity group demonstrated gains above those reflected in the normal growth and development patterns of the control group in certain weight bearing sites of the skeleton. The results provide an encouraging incentive to expand the longitudinal investigation of the effects of physical education on the bone health in young females.

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