Physical activity vital for bone strength in adolescence

March 22 (UPI) -- A report by the University of British Columbia suggests physical activity has significant effects on bone mass in adolescence.

The study of 309 adolescent boys and girls showed those who participated in moderate to intense physical activity during their growing years had greater bone mass in areas that contribute to superior bone strength.

Researchers analyzed 14 intervention and 23 observational studies for the report, finding that weight-bearing physical activity was more effective at increasing bone strength when compared to non-weight-bearing physical activity. Adolescents who participated in more vigorous weight-bearing activity had the greatest bone strength benefit.

Some sports, such as gymnastics, elicit extreme loads that can exceed 10 times body weight, while other such as running produces about three times body weight load.

"Our findings utilized advanced imaging to extend a convincing body of evidence that physical activity is key to developing a strong and healthy skeleton," Professor Heather McKay, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, said in a press release. "It's important for children and youth to step away from their screens, get up from the sofa and move."

The study was published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.