Discuss how physical activity can affect bone health.

exercise can positively influence bone health making them stronger;

increases bone mineral density early in life
OR
the impact is more significant early in life;

reduces the loss of bone/osteoporosis from middle age onwards;

resistance training/weight-bearing activities are more effective than endurance exercise;

weight bearing is better than non-weight bearing (eg swimming);

during physical activity contracting muscles that cross a joint, compress bones to maintain and enhance bone health;

bones must be compressed or pushed up to promote optimal bone mass. Weight-bearing activities compress bones;

high impact exercise can be detrimental to joints;

in weight-conscious individuals, intense physical activity may give rise to low body weight and therefore osteoporosis.

[3 max]

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