1993 Volume 10 Pages 121-125
The relationship between the physical performance and the vertebral bone mineral density was studied in 138 (70 boys and 68 girls) normal children aged six to thirteen. The physical performance evaluated by the Sports activity and Bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebrae (L2-4BMD) was determined in the anteroposterior direction by the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry method (DEXA, QDR-1000, Hologic) The reported incidence of fracture varies ; in general, it is highest among 12-year-old children, followed by 11-year-old children. Bone mineral density of the lumber vertebrae increased with height, weight, and age. The grip strength correlated significantly with the vertebral BMD. In the age of 11 and 12 years, vertebral BMD was significant higher in girls than in boys (p<0.05). The deleterious effects of immobilization and inactivity on bone are wellknown. Our data suggest that a positive relationship between physical activity and bone mineral density in lumbar vertebrae.
