Development of a method for quantification of the mechanical loading associated with habitual activity patterns in premenopausal women
Dr Victoria Stiles - University of Exeter
Awarded £19,807 in 2011
Physical inactivity, in addition to nutritional, environmental and genetic factors, is a risk factor for osteoporosis (bone thinning). Physical activity recommendations encouraging people to be moderately active for at least 150 minutes per week are based on improving cardiovascular function and maintaining a healthy body weight but are not necessarily optimal for bone health. Shorter, sharper bursts of weight-bearing activity that load bone in different ways are best for bone health. Developments in physical activity measurement using monitors worn on the body, allow for precise measurement of short bursts of activity beneficial to bone that were previously difficult to capture. If an activity monitor can accurately assess activity beneficial to bone then specific guidelines to help women maintain and improve bone mass can be developed to decrease the risk of osteoporosis. A relationship between activity monitor output and weight-bearing activity has been established in children and young adults. However, loads on bones during weight-bearing activity vary by age group and therefore it is important to establish a relationship between activity monitor output and weight-bearing activity in older women too. Thus, the purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between activity monitor output and weight-bearing activity in premenopausal women.