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Men who engage in low-impact exercise are at risk for low bone density
Cyclists were seven times more likely to have osteopenia at the spine compared with runners.
Low bone mineral density does not just affect women; it also affects men, especially those who regularly participate in nonweight-bearing exercise such as cycling, according to study results to be published in Metabolism.
“There are many health benefits of cycling and other nonweight-bearing endurance activities. However, individuals who spend significant amounts of time engaged in these activities need to do something else to strengthen their bones,” Pamela S. Hinton, PhD, told Endocrine Today. Hinton and colleagues at the University of Missouri-Columbia measured BMD in 43 competitive cyclists and runners aged 29 to 59 years.
“Men who are long-term participants in nonweight-bearing endurance activity, such as cycling or swimming, and are otherwise very healthy, are at risk for low BMD,” said Hinton, associate professor of nutritional sciences.
According to the researchers, cyclists had significantly lower BMD of the whole body compared with runners, independent of lifetime cumulative bone loading. Men who regularly cycled also had significantly reduced lumbar spine BMD (–10%; P<.05) and marginal reductions at the leg (–5%), hip (–5%) and arm (–4%).
Cyclists were seven times more likely to have osteopenia of the spine, which can result in two times the risk for bone fracture, compared with runners (63% vs. 19%).
The differences in bone health between low- and high-impact activities could not be attributed to differences in age, BMI, diet, hormonal status or bone-loading history. There were no differences in serum markers of bone turnover; however, this does not mean that these factors do not play a role in the group differences in BMD, according to Hinton.
“Unfortunately, some individuals who believe they are doing everything right in terms of their health might be surprised and upset by our findings,” she said in a press release. “We believe, however, that these results ultimately will serve as education and motivation for these people.”
The researchers made two suggestions: active men should integrate weight-bearing activity such as running, jogging or rope jumping into their lifestyle to mitigate the effects of osteopenia, and physicians should screen for low bone density. – by Katie Kalvaitis
For more information:
- Rector RS, Rogers R, Ruebel M, Hinton PS. Participation in road cycling versus running is associated with lower bone mineral density in men. Metabolism. In press.