This study assessed the status of bone and cardiovascular health in young, prepubertal
females (aged 9 to 11 years) during a school based intervention program involving
weight bearing physical activity. A study of 10 months duration was conducted in
four primary schools in the Melbourne suburbs. It involved a physical activity group
(n=38) and an aged-matched control group (n=33). Baseline data including pubertal
status, health-related fitness, bone mass and body composition were obtained pre
and post the intervention programme. All children had their bone mineral density
monitored. Bone mineral density and body composition measurements were performed
by DXA using the Hologic QDR 2000 bone densitometer. At the completion
of the program the activity group had accrued significantly greater bone mass at
total body, lumbar spine, leg and femoral neck when expressed as BMC or BMD