Physical Activity and Bone Health in Developing Populations

Physical activity during growth is a critical determinant of skeletal development and long-term bone health. In developing populations, engagement in high-impact and weight-bearing activities stimulates osteogenic responses, leading to increased bone mineral content and structural adaptation. Mechanical loading through jumping, running and organised sports enhances periosteal bone formation, while muscle contractions contribute to endocortical modelling. Conversely, prolonged sedentary behaviour can attenuate these adaptive processes, reducing bone stiffness and potentially compromising peak bone mass attainment. Nutritional factors, hormonal milieu and genetic predisposition interact with mechanical stimuli to regulate bone remodelling. Globally, physical activity programmes tailored to local contexts have been shown to bolster skeletal strength in children and adolescents, with implications for reducing the lifetime risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Practical applications include school-based exercise curricula, community sport initiatives and public health policies that prioritise regular moderate to vigorous activity alongside reductions in sedentary time.

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Physical Activity and Bone Health in Developing Populations publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in physical activity and bone health in developing populations across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Bone mineral content (BMC): The total amount of mineral deposited in bone, reflecting skeletal size and strength.

Bone mineral density (BMD): The concentration of mineral per unit area of bone, used to assess bone strength and fracture risk.

Peak bone mass: The highest bone density and strength achieved at skeletal maturity, a major determinant of lifelong fracture resistance.

Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA): Exercise intensity that noticeably raises heart rate and breathing, including brisk walking, running and active play.

Weight-bearing exercise: Physical activities that force the body to work against gravity, such as jumping, hopping and resistance training, promoting bone formation.

Bone stiffness index (SI): A quantitative ultrasound measure reflecting bone elasticity and structure, indicative of fracture resistance.

Bone remodelling: The ongoing process of bone resorption and formation by osteoclasts and osteoblasts, adjusting skeletal architecture in response to mechanical and hormonal signals.

References

1. Impact of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and muscle strength on bone stiffness in 2–10-year-old children-cross-sectional results from the IDEFICS study. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2015).
2. The intensity of physical activity influences bone mineral accrual in childhood: the childhood health, activity and motor performance school (the CHAMPS) study, Denmark. BMC Pediatrics (2013).
3. The Impact of Diet and Physical Activity on Bone Health in Children and Adolescents. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2021).