The Effect of Underwater Exercise on Bone Mineral Content and Mechanical Property

Abstract

The effect of underwater exercise on bone mineral content and mechanical property was investigated. Water polo athletes and young rats were used for these studies. Mechanical tests were done for tibial bone.Following results were obtained.1.Bone density of the female water polo athletes, total or lumbar, was significantly higher than control group.2.Bone density and fracture load, stiffness, tanδ were, in average, larger for the swimming rats than for the control group. This tendency was also seen in 58 weeks group.3.It was found that even underwater exercise promoted the increase of bone density and strength.