Study underscores importance of physical activity for developing bone strength in adolescents

A large prospective study in 309 adolescent boys and girls underscores the importance of physical activity for developing bone strength during growth. Adolescents who participated in moderate to intense physical activity during growth spurt years exhibited greater bone mass in areas that contribute to superior bone strength. The study also found mixed effects of sedentary time.

Additional studies are needed to determine the right balance between physical activity and recovery time to enhance bone health during growth.

"Our findings utilized advanced imaging to extend a convincing body of evidence that physical activity is key to developing a strong and healthy skeleton," said Professor Heather McKay, senior author of the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research study. "It's important for children and youth to step away from their screens, get up from the sofa and move."