Exercise during childhood for healthy bones
30 November 2007
Scientists led by Dr Nick Harvey, Clinical Lecturer at the MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre in Southampton, have revealed a link between physical activity in young children and strong bones.
The team, based at the University of Southampton, compared the average amount of physical activity of two hundred four year-olds with the strength of their bones. They found that the children who were more physically active had stronger skeletons.
Dr Harvey, said: “Evidence suggests that it is likely that the better your bones are when you are young, the better they will be when you are older, and so more physical activity as a child could potentially mean stronger bones in old age.”
The group’s findings were presented at the annual National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) Conference, which took place in Edinburgh from 25 to 28 November 2007. The conference provides an arena for researchers and clinicians to discuss the latest developments in research into osteoporosis.
Sarah Leyland, NOS spokesperson, added:
“The decline in physical activity in children over the last decade is worrying and this piece of research shows that it could have a detrimental effect on the nation’s bone health.”
“Parents should encourage their children to choose the active option whenever possible. Walking short distances instead of sitting in the buggy and playing in the garden or park instead of watching TV are just a couple of ideas to help small children to become more active.”
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