Weight-bearing exercises promote bone formation

Weight-bearing exercises can increase bone density and promote bone formation in men, says new research in Bone. Osteoporosis affects over 200 million people worldwide and is a serious public health concern.

Men aged 25–60 years who had low-bone mass were split into two groups. One group performed resistance-training exercises such as lunges and squats using free weights. The other group performed various types of jumps, such as single-leg and double-leg jumps.

After 12 months of performing the exercises, the men’s levels of bone proteins and hormones in the blood were compared.

Both groups had a decreased in levels of sclerostin (a protein made in the bone that has a negative impact on bone formation). And there was an increase in the hormone IGF-1, which triggers bone growth.

Resistance training and jump training therefore both have beneficial effects on bone growth.

“People may be physically active and know they need to exercise to prevent obesity, heart disease or diabetes,” explains Pamela Hinton who led the work. “However, you also really need to do specific exercises to protect your bone health.”

Click here to read the original research.

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