Exercise Now = Strong Bones Later? The human skeleton appears to
respond more favorably to physical activity during the childhood
"growth years" than in adulthood. Previous research has shown
10-20% higher peak bone mineral density (BMD) in young people
who exercise compared with nonexercisers. In contrast, this
figure is only 1-5% higher in adults who exercise regularly
compared with sedentary adults. If exercise is to be recommended
during childhood, gains in bone density must be maintained in
later life, particularly with respect to the risk of suffering
fractures. To investigate this premise, the authors of a study
published in The Lancet measured BMD in 22 active soccer
players, 128 former soccer players, and 138 age-matched control
subjects. Frequency of fractures was also assessed in 284
additional former soccer players and 586 controls. Results: Leg
BMD was significantly higher in active soccer players and former
soccer players retired for five years or less. However, these
increases declined with mor