The benefits of exercise are well recognized for the heart, but now scientists have evidence that physical activity can also benefit bones. Approximately 1,200 premenopausal women were included in the study that looked at bone mineral density, bone turnover and two naturally occurring compounds called sclerostin and IGF-1. Sclerostin tends to block bone formation, while IGF-1 encourages it.
The researchers found that women who had more than two hours of physical activity each week had lower levels of sclerostin and higher amounts of IGF-1. They point out that physical activity training is simple and cheap, so it may be a very practical way of preventing osteoporosis and fractures as these women grow older.
[Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Oct, 2012]
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