Role of the insulin-like growth factor system in bone health and military relevance during military training

Abstract

Introduction: Bone is in a constant state of remodelling to remove old or damaged bone and form new bone. This process of bone resorption and formation is ‘coupled’ to preserve bone size, structure, and mass. Several physiological challenges—typical of military training and employment—can disturb bone metabolism including high levels of physical activity and energy and sleep restriction. Accumulation of damaged bone during exercise stimulates targeted remodelling, a process where the resorption of damaged bone can cause pores in the cortical bone and eventually stress fracture.