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Skeletal robustness and bone strength as measured by anthropometry and ultrasonography as a function of physical activity in young adults
Author(s) -
Scheffler Christiane,
Gniosdorz Birgit,
Staub Kaspar,
Rühli Frank
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
american journal of human biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.559
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1520-6300
pISSN - 1042-0533
DOI - 10.1002/ajhb.22504
Subject(s) - anthropometry , pedometer , hum , medicine , context (archaeology) , correlation , physical activity , physical therapy , biology , mathematics , art , paleontology , geometry , performance art , art history
Background During the last 10 years, skeletal robustness in children has generally decreased. The reasons for this phenomenon, as well as its outcomes, are undetermined so far. Aim The present study explores the association between anthropometric skeletal measurements, bone quality measurements, and physical activity in young adults. Subjects and Methods 118 German young men ( N = 68; 19–25 years old) and women ( N = 50; 19–24 years old) were investigated by anthropometric methods (i.e., height, weight, shoulder, elbow breadth, and pelvic breadth) and quantitative ultrasound measurement (QUS). Strength and stability of Os calcis have been determined by speed of sound (in m/s) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (in dB/Mhz); individual physical activity was analyzed by a pedometer and by questionnaire. Results The results show a correlation between sports hours per week and bone quality index in males. But no correlation exists between anthropometric data and QUSs for either sexes, as well as no correlation between total steps per day and internal bone quality or external bone dimensions. Conclusion These results are discussed in the context of generally decreasing physical activity, the outcomes of prevention programs as well as evolutionary adaptation of human phenotypic plasticity in a changing environment. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:215–220, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.