Influence of physical activity on bone strength

The peak bone mass reached in the first 2-3 decades of life is determined mainlybygenetic factors but also depends on race, gonadal status and environmental factors such as nutrition and physical activity. The aim of our studywa s to investigate the influence of physical activity on bone strength, byevaluati ng two groups of children and adolescents, aged 10–18 years. We performed a statistical analysis of speed of sound at midshaft of tibia and at 3rd distal of radius in 40 swimmers and 40 cyclists and we compare the results with a control group. Multiple regression using age, height, weight, type of sport and SOS showed onlyage as significant predictor, unless for tibia in males, where cycling is associated with lower densityin higher age. Our studyshows that swimming and cycling exercise had no effect on SOS