Exercise-Induced Bone Metabolism Modulation
Summary
Bone metabolism is governed by a finely tuned balance between formation by osteoblasts and resorption by osteoclasts, modulated by mechanical loading, systemic hormones and nutritional status. Exercise imposes mechanical strains that stimulate osteocyte mechanotransduction pathways, promoting osteoblastic activity, suppressing inhibitors and enhancing bone mass, microarchitecture and strength. Weight-bearing and high-impact activities are particularly effective, whereas non–weight-bearing exercise or periods of low energy availability may uncouple the remodelling cycle and favour bone loss. Circulating mediators such as parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphorus, as well as exercise-induced myokines, further shape the skeletal response. A deeper understanding of these interactions informs strategies for osteoporosis prevention, sports performance optimisation and rehabilitation in ageing populations around the world.
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Exercise-Induced Bone Metabolism Modulation publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in exercise-induced bone metabolism modulation across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Bone remodelling: The continuous process by which old bone is resorbed by osteoclasts and replaced by new bone formed by osteoblasts.
P1NP (Procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide): A biomarker released during collagen synthesis, reflecting osteoblastic bone formation.
β-CTX-1 (β-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen): A degradation fragment released during collagen breakdown, indicating osteoclastic bone resorption.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH): A hormone that regulates serum calcium and phosphate levels, influencing bone turnover.
Low energy availability (LEA): A state in which dietary energy intake is insufficient to support exercise expenditure and normal physiological functions, often impairing bone health.
References
- P1NP and β-CTX-1 Responses to a Prolonged, Continuous Running Bout in Young Healthy Adult Males: A Systematic Review with Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis. Sports Medicine - Open (2023).
- Load carriage exercise increases calcium absorption and retention in healthy young women. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2024).
- High‐impact jumping mitigates the short‐term effects of low energy availability on bone resorption but not formation in regularly menstruating females: A randomized control trial. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports (2023).
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