Review article
Tina Dušek
; Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu i Klinika za unutarnje bolesti, Zavod za endokrinologiju, KBC Zagreb, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Darko Kaštelan
; Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu i Klinika za unutarnje bolesti, Zavod za endokrinologiju, KBC Zagreb, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Marko Pećina
; Hrvatska akademija znanosti i umjetnosti, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Bone mineral density (BMD) is influenced by gender, age, hormonal changes, and genetic and environmental factors. Nutrition, calcium intake, sun exposure, smoking, and physical activity represent the most important environmental factors infl uencing BMD. Bone mass is gained during childhood and adolescence and gradually declines in adulthood. The two generally accepted strategies in the prevention of osteoporosis are maximising BMD gain in the first three decades of life and minimising age-related bone loss. Evidence shows that growing bone is more responsive to mechanical load than mature bone. To produce adaptive bone response and improve bone mass, mechanical stimulation has to be dynamic, intermittent, and intensive. Simultaneously, abundant availability of nutrient energy, calcium, and vitamin D has to be present. Children who exercise have higher bone mass than their other counterparts. Athletes have higher bone mass than non-athletes. Weight-bearing exercises like gymnastics, running, and weight-lifting have the highest impact on bone mass accrual. In adulthood, bone mass gradually decreases by 0.5-1.5 % per year. In that period of life, the principal strategy for preventing osteoporosis is based on maintaining bone mass and attenuating age-related bone loss. Bone loss occurs more rapidly if there is no mechanical load on the bone. Besides improving BMD in older age, exercise may improve muscular strength and balance
and reduce the risk of falls. Recommendations for physical activities are not age-limited. Besides the weight-bearing activities like gymnastics, tennis, climbing, and running, which are essential for preserving bone mass, elderly individuals are advised to perform the activities designed to improve coordination and balance and prevent falls.
Keywords
bone mineral density; bone turnover; exercise; fracture; peak bone mass
Hrčak ID:
92078
URI
Publication date:
16.11.2012.
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