The effect of physical activity on bone mineral density

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the physical activity levels of females studying at university and to examine the relation between their physical activity levels and bone mineral densities. 63 female students who study at Nigde University participated in the study. 32 of them have low physical activity levels while 31 of them have high physical activity levels. In the study, a short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to determine the physical activity levels of the individuals. T-test in independent groups was used to find out the difference between the groups. The relation between bone mineral densities, body composition and physical activity levels was determined by Pearson correlation test. According to the data obtained in the study, a significant difference was found between the fatless body mass, physical activity levels, BMD, t-scores and z-scores of the participants while no significant difference was found in BMI, body fat rate and body fat mass values. In terms of physical activity levels, it was found out that there is a relation between those with high physical activity levels and BMD, t-scores, z-scores, and also a relation between those with low physical activity levels and fatless body mass. The results of the study have revealed that females with high physical activity levels also have high bone mineral densities, showing a direct proportion between physical activity level and bone mineral density. Key words: Physical activity, bone mineral densities, body fat mass, body fat rate.