Higher proportions of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) relative to other 24-hour movement behaviors are associated with greater bone strength in older women.
In a cross-sectional study of 296 older adults (mean age 76.3 years), compositional data analysis showed that higher proportions of MVPA within the 24-hour movement composition were associated with higher distal radius and tibia estimated failure load in women. Hypothetically displacing 10-60 minutes of inactivity with MVPA resulted in more favorable bone microarchitecture and strength parameters.
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Higher proportions of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) relative to other 24-hour movement behaviors are associated with greater bone strength in older women. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Higher proportions of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) relative to other 24-hour movement behaviors are associated with greater bone strength in older women.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Community-dwelling older adults (119 men, 177 women; mean age 76.3 ± 4.6 years) from the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Twenty-four-hour movement composition is associated with HR-pQCT bone strength in older adults: The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA). (Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Higher MVPA increases mechanical loading on bones
- ▸Mechanical loading stimulates osteoblast activity and bone formation
- ▸Reduced inactivity decreases catabolic signals and bone resorption
- ▸Result: Improved bone microarchitecture and strength
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Community-dwelling older adults (119 men, 177 women; mean age 76.3 ± 4.6 years) from the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA)
Recommended Dose
10-60 minutes of MVPA displacing inactivity
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
- ▸Accelerometry may misclassify some activities (e.g., stationary cycling as inactivity)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum amount of MVPA that may benefit bone strength in older women?▼
The study suggests that displacing as little as 10 minutes of inactivity with MVPA may improve bone strength parameters.
Did the study find similar benefits for older men?▼
No, higher amounts of any activity beyond the average were not associated with bone strength in men, though higher MVPA proportions were linked to some trabecular parameters.
How was physical activity measured in this study?▼
Participants wore an ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist for 7 consecutive 24-hour periods.
What bone outcomes were assessed?▼
Primary outcomes were distal radius and tibia estimated failure load; secondary outcomes included volumetric bone mineral density, cortical and trabecular bone measures from HR-pQCT.
References
- 1.Roe LS, Heilmann NZ, Garcia RE, Sekel NM, Koltun KJ, Hughes JM, Aaron KG, Freeland KS, Ma Y, Yu T, Cawthon PM, Gabriel KP, Caserotti P, Nindl BC, Glynn NW, Strotmeyer ES, Cauley JA. “Twenty-four-hour movement composition is associated with HR-pQCT bone strength in older adults: The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA)..” Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 2026. PMID: 42520223 DOI: 10.1093/jbmr/zjag117