The Effect of Physical Activity Participation During Adolescence on Current BMD in Premenopausal Females 30-50 Years Old

Physical activity (PA) and nutrition are essential for bone health. Low bone mineral density (BMD) is often a concern with women and may lead to major health concerns such as increased fracture risk and osteoporosis. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between past and current nutrition and PA with current BMD to determine what affect they have on bone health. METHODS: Pre-menopausal females ages 30-50 years (N=27) completed a DEXA scan to determine total BMD and answered a series of surveys concerning basic demographics and previous (between ages 14-21 years) and current PA participation and calcium consumption. RESULTS: There was a correlation of 0.37 between PA ages 14-21 years and current BMD. Dairy consumption ages 13-18 years showed a correlation of 0.28 with current BMD. Current time in moderate and vigorous intensity PA had a 0.23 correlation with current BMD. Current calcium intake showed a correlation of 0.17 with current BMD. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of a relationship between previous and current PA with current BMD in females aged 30-50 years. Nonetheless, calcium intake (especially during adolescence) was correlated with current BMD in females aged 30-50 years, suggesting both PA and diet are important to bone health.