Adaptive skeletal responses to mechanical loading during adolescence.
Adolescence, defined as the period between puberty and maturity, provides a 'window of opportunity' for positive skeletal adaptations to mechanical loading unlike any other period in life. Age-related bone loss highlights the importance of accumulating sufficient bone mass during formative years. Adolescents who regularly engage in weight-bearing mechanical loading appear advantaged in site-specific markers of bone mass. The positive influence of physical activity on bone mineral accrual during growth has been extensively studied; however, few studies have examined skeletal responses to mechanical loading during adolescence. Weight-bearing physical activity, particularly high-impact sports such as gymnastics, is recognised as being more osteogenic than weight-supported activities. Unilateral loading activities such as tennis or squash provide a direct comparison of skeletal response without sampling bias or genetic confounding. Intervention and longitudinal studies show evidence of positive skeletal adaptations; however, sustainability of skeletal advantages remains unclear. Limitations inherent with single-plane dual x-ray absorptiometry technology are well recognised. The integration of densitometric data with structural responses to mechanical loading using 3-dimensional imaging technologies such as peripheral quantitative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging appears vital to enhancing our understanding of adolescent musculoskeletal health.
Greene
David A
DA
School of Exercise Science, Centre of Physical Activity Across the Lifespan (CoPAAL), Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia. david.greene@acu.edu.au
Naughton
Geraldine A
GA
D000293:Adolescent; D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D011627:Puberty; D013177:Sports; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D016474:Weight-Bearing