Effect of low‐repetition jump training on bone mineral density in young women

Abstract

The hypothesis of the present study was that low‐repetition and high‐impact training of 10 maximum vertical jumps/day, 3 times/week would be effective for improving bone mineral density (BMD) in ordinary young women. Thirty‐six female college students, with mean age, height, and weight of 20.7±0.7 years, 158.9±4.6 cm, and 50.4±5.5 kg, respectively, were randomly divided into two groups: jump training and a control group. After 6 months of maximum vertical jumping exercise intervention, BMD in the femoral neck region significantly increased in the jump group from the baseline (0.984±0.081 vs 1.010±0.080 mg/cm2; P<0.01), although there was no significant change in the control group (0.985±0.0143 vs 0.974±0.134 mg/cm2). And also lumbar spine (L(2–4)) BMD significantly increased in the jump training group from the baseline (0.991±0.115 vs 1.015±0.113 mg/cm2; P<0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in the control group (1.007±0.113 vs 1.013±0.110 mg/cm2). No significant interactions were observed at other measurement sites, Ward's triangle, greater trochanter, and total hip BMD. Calcium intakes and accelometry‐determined physical daily activity showed no significant difference between the two groups. From the results of the present study, low‐repetition and high‐impact jumps enhanced BMD at the specific bone sites in young women who had almost reached the age of peak bone mass.