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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.

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.

Last updated: Jul 31, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Twenty-four-hour movement composition is associated with HR-pQCT bone strength in older adults: The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA).

observational

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 · Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 7 days of accelerometry (cross-sectional)
Intervention: Compositional isotemporal substitution of 10-60 minutes of inactivity with MVPA
Outcome: Bone strength (distal radius and tibia estimated failure load), total volumetric bone mineral density, cortical and trabecular vBMD, area, and thickness measured by HR-pQCT
Effect Size: N/A (specific effect sizes not reported in abstract)
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)

Result:

PubMed: 42520223DOI: 10.1093/jbmr/zjag117

Mechanism Graph

Higher MVPA increases mechanical loading on bones
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Mechanical loading stimulates osteoblast activity and bone formation
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Reduced inactivity decreases catabolic signals and bone resorption
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Result: Improved bone microarchitecture and strength

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.