title: Comparison of parameters of bone profile and homocysteine in physically active and non-active postmenopausal females.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Optimal physical activity is important in attaining a peak bone mass. Physically active women have better bone mineral density and reduce fracture risk as compared to females living a sedentary life. The objective of this study was to compare parameters of bone profile and serum homocysteine levels in physically active and non-active postmenopausal females.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross sectional study postmenopausal females between 50-70 years of age were recruited and divided into two groups: Physically inactive (n=133) performing light physical activity and Physically active (n=34) performing moderate physical activity. Physical activity (in metabolic equivalents), bone mineral density and serum homocysteine levels were assessed. Spearman's rho correlation was applied to observe correlations. Two independent sample t test and Mann Whitney U test were applied to compare groups. P-value ≤ 0.05 was taken statistically significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Parameters of bone profile were significantly higher and serum homocysteine levels were significantly lower in postmenopausal females performing moderate physical activity as compared to females performing light physical activity. Homocysteine was not significantly related to T-score and Z-score in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improving physical activity could be beneficial for improving the quality of bone, decreasing fracture risk and decreasing serum homocysteine levels.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Sundus Tariq, MBBS, M.Phil. Assistant Professor of Physiology, University Medical & Dental College, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Sundus
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tariq
authors.affiliation: Dr. Khalid Parvez Lone, M.Sc., M.I. Biol., Ph.D., F.Z.S.P. Prof. & Head of Department of Physiology/Metabolic Disorders, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Khalid Parvez
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Lone
authors.affiliation: Dr. Saba Tariq, MBBS, M.Phil. Assistant Professor of Pharmacology, University Medical & Dental College, Faisalabad-38000, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Saba
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tariq
keywords: Bone Mineral Density; Homocysteine; Osteoporosis; Physical activity