Good for the Bones

To Your Health
October, 2022 (Vol. 16, Issue 10)

By Editorial Staff

Bone health is important at any age, but particularly when we’re older. Fragile, brittle bones can lead to fractures that reduce mobility and independence, and in some cases (i.e., the hip) can prove fatal. Fortunately, it appears the seeds of bone health can be planted when we’re younger, especially if we participate in certain types of physical activities.

If your child bikes, jogs or swims, that’s great for their overall health (and does benefit their bones to some degree), but the bone benefit is significantly greater if they participate in “multi-directional” activities. Findings come from a study involving female college cross-country runners with a history of either unidirectional sports participation (cross-country running, recreational running / jogging, swimming and/or cycling only) or a history of any of the above plus training and/or competing in soccer or basketball.

Participation in multi-directional sports when younger appeared to strengthen bones (particularly the shin bone and bones in the feet) relative to unidirectional activity participation, putting women at lesser risk of bone stress injuries, including stress fractures, as collegiate runners.

The takeaway from this study, which appears in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, is clear: early participation in physical activities that require you to move in multiple directions benefits bone health! Your doctor can tell you more about exercise and nutritional factors that influence bone health throughout your lifetime.