Weight-bearing Physical Activity Research Articles

Longitudinal effect of vigorous physical activity on patella cartilage morphology in people without clinical knee disease

There are few data concerning possible long-term effects of physical activity on cartilage change in the patellofemoral compartment. We examined the effect of participation in vigorous physical activity on changes to patella cartilage over 2 years. A total of 297 healthy adults ages 50-79 years with no history of knee injury or symptoms were recruited from an existing study. Physical activity data were obtained by questionnaire at baseline (2003-2004). Patella cartilage volume and defects were determined by magnetic resonance imaging at baseline (2003-2004) and followup (2006-2007). Participation in vigorous physical activity at baseline was associated with a reduced rate of patella cartilage volume loss (-21.2 mm(3) per annum [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -41.5, -1.0; P = 0.04]) and a trend toward less risk of worsening patella cartilage defects (odds ratio 0.4; 95% CI 0.2, 1.1 [P = 0.07]) over the subsequent 2 years. In the subgroup with no significant patella cartilage defects at baseline (n = 192), participation in vigorous physical activity was associated with a reduced annual rate of patella cartilage volume loss (95% CI -53.8, -7.8; P = 0.03) and a trend for fewer new patella cartilage defects (95% CI 0.1, 1.1; P = 0.08). No significant relationships were found between vigorous physical activity and cartilage volume change or defect progression in the subgroup with prevalent patella cartilage defects at baseline. These observations suggest that vigorous physical activity is beneficial to patellofemoral joints for people without preexisting cartilage damage. Weight-bearing vigorous physical activity might, therefore, be useful in the prevention of patellofemoral osteoarthritis.

Volumetric bone mineral density is an important tool when interpreting bone mineralization in healthy children

In adults, it is well known that gender influences bone mass, but studies in children have shown contradictory results. Also, conflicting results have been reported regarding bone mineral density in obese children. To investigate bone parameters in healthy 8-year-old children and relate them to anthropometry and self-reported physical activity (PA). Bone measurements were performed with dual X-ray absorptiometry in 96 children, and questionnaires were used to assess self-reported PA. Bone mineral content and density differed by gender. Eighteen percent of the children were overweight/obese and they had higher bone mineral content and density than children with normal weight. Bone mineral apparent density (g/cm(3)) of the lumbar spine did not differ, since the vertebral size differed, as was also the case between genders. Self-reported weight-bearing PA influenced bone mass in the hip. PA influenced bone mineralization at this age. The differences in bone mineral content and density in healthy children would mainly be explained by the differences in bone size, reflected in body height and the width of the vertebrae. This indicates the importance of determining volumetric bone mineralization in children.

18 Peak Bone Geometry: Positive Influence of Intense Weight-Bearing Physical Activity on Femur Macro Architecture in Young Women Between 17 and 29 Years

This paper presents the design of a total absorption γ-ray spectrometer for the determination of β-decay intensity distributions of exotic nuclear species at the focal plane of the FAIR-NUSTAR Super Fragment Separator. The spectrometer is a key instrument in the DESPEC experiment and the proposed implementation follows extensive design studies and prototype tests. Two options were contemplated, based on NaI(Tl) and LaBr3:Ce inorganic scintillation crystals respectively. Monte Carlo simulations and technical considerations determined the optimal configurations consisting of sixteen 15×15×25cm3 crystals for the NaI(Tl) option and one hundred and twenty-eight 5.5×5.5×11cm3 crystals for the LaBr3:Ce option. Minimization of dead material was crucial for maximizing the spectrometer full-energy peak efficiency. Module prototypes were build to verify constructional details and characterize their performance. The measured energy and timing resolution was found to agree rather well with estimates based on simulations of scintillation light transport and collection. The neutron sensitivity of the spectrometer, important when measuring β-delayed neutron emitters, was investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulations.

Exercise in pediatric rheumatic diseases

The present review discusses the current knowledge about exercise capacity and physical activity in children with rheumatic disease and examines the role of exercise in managing these conditions. Recent studies suggest exercise capacity is significantly impaired in a large proportion of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. These deficits are not limited to children with active inflammation. Children, especially girls, with rheumatoid factor positive polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, have the greatest deficits. Poor fitness and low levels of weight-bearing physical activity contribute to low bone mass and strength. Children and adolescents with juvenile dermatomyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus also exhibit impaired exercise capacity. There is some evidence that structured aerobic and neuromuscular training may improve exercise capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children and adolescents with rheumatic disease. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to secondary impairments in aerobic and muscular fitness, bone health, and functional limitations in children and adolescents with rheumatic disease despite advances in the pharmacological management of these inflammatory conditions. Increased levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity and structured exercise may improve exercise capacity, performance of daily activities, and overall quality of life.

Winning the Battle Against Childhood Physical Inactivity: The Key to Bone Strength?

Winning the Battle Against Childhood Physical Inactivity: The Key to Bone Strength?

Hemophilia, low bone mass, and osteopenia/osteoporosis

A recent case series from Australia suggested that children with hemophilia may be more likely to have low bone density or osteopenia than healthy controls. This finding has led to uncertainty among patients and their physicians as to whether treatment with bisphosphonates is indicated to treat osteopenia and prevent osteoporosis in children or young adults with hemophilia. In fact, several studies confirmed that selected patients with hemophilia were shorter, weighed less, had reduced physical activity, and had other factors (hepatitis C and HIV seropositivity) which predict lower peak bone mass. Some of these factors may accelerate loss of bone mass between ages 20 and 50 when bone mass should otherwise be stable, but no study has yet confirmed if this is the case for patients with hemophilia. Treatment with weight-bearing physical activity, physiotherapy and surgery to remobilize diseased joints, and calcium and vitamin D supplementation, can be recommended for anyone at any age. Treatment with an antiresorptive medication (usually a bisphosphonate) is not indicated for low peak bone mass that will otherwise be maintained by the patient between ages 20 and 50. On the other hand, on an individualized basis, treatment with an antiresorptive may be indicated for patients in whom rapid loss of bone mass has been confirmed by sequential BMD measurements, or who have already suffered fragility fractures, or who have reached an age and BMD value that places them into a high-risk category for estimated 10-year fracture risk.

Correlates of Weight-Bearing Physical Activity Among Adolescent Girls: Results From a National Survey of Girls and Their Parents

Despite the potential benefits of reducing the risk of osteoporosis in later life, research on adolescent girls' weight-bearing physical activity (WBPA) is limited. This study explores correlates for WBPA in this population. A nationally representative telephone survey sponsored by the National Bone Health Campaign was conducted with 1000 girls age 9 to 12 years and a parent. Girls' physical activities were coded as weight bearing or not and correlated with cognitive, social, and environmental variables. Regression analysis revealed that WBPA was significantly associated with self-reported parents' education, parental self-efficacy, girls' normative beliefs about time spent in physical activity, being physically active with a parent, having physically active friends, and perceived availability of after-school physical activities. Interventions encouraging parents to participate in WBPA with their daughters and increasing parents' positive attitudes and self-efficacy in getting their daughters to be physically active should be tested.

Increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentary activity in adolescent girls--the Incorporating More Physical Activity and Calcium in Teens (IMPACT) study.

BackgroundLack of regular physical activity and consequent sub-optimal bone mass acquisition in youth has been implicated as a primary cause of adult-onset osteoporosis. IMPACT was a behavioral theory-based 1 1/2 year randomized controlled field study aimed at increasing bone accretion in middle school girls. The objective of this study was to determine the intervention effects of the IMPACT program upon key physical and sedentary activity endpoints among schools that participated in the IMPACT study. Endpoints examined included weight bearing physical activity (WBPA); moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA); vigorous physical activity (VPA); MET (metabolic equivalent) – weighted WBPA and MVPA; sedentary activity; before/after-school physical activity; and weekend physical activity.MethodsPrimary data analysis using a pretest-posttest control group design was conducted utilizing mixed model analysis of covariance. Data gathered from the IMPACT cohort from 2000–2002 were analyzed to determine baseline versus follow-up differences in activity endpoints. Confounders investigated included ethnicity, body mass index, menarcheal status, participation in 7th grade PE/athletics, friend/familial support and neighborhood safety.ResultsFollow-up means were higher for participating intervention schools relative to control schools for all physical activity variables but were statistically significant only for the following variables: daily minutes of vigorous physical activity (mean difference between Intervention (I) and Control (C) = 6.00↑ minutes, 95% CI = 5.82–6.18, p = 0.05), daily after school activity minutes (mean difference between I and C = 8.95↑ minutes, 95% CI = 8.69–9.21, p = 0.04), and daily weekend activity minutes (mean difference between I and C = 19.00↑ minutes, 95% CI = 18.40–19.60, p = 0.05). The intervention significantly reduced duration of student daily TV/Video watching (mean difference between I and C = 12.11↓ minutes, 95% CI = 11.74–12.48, p = 0.05) and total daily sedentary activity minutes (mean difference between I and C = 16.99↓ minutes, 95% CI = 16.49–17.50, p = 0.04).ConclusionA well designed and implemented school based health and physical activity intervention can result in a positive influence upon increasing physical activity levels and decreasing sedentary activity. Future interventions should consider a more structured intervention component to obtain significant changes in WBPA.

Association of physical activity with bone mass in premenarche Chinese girls

To assess the association of physical activity with bone mass in premenarche girls. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) at the whole body, femoral neck, Ward triangle and L1-L4 spine were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 194 premenarche girls (10 +/- 1, year). Physical activity and dietary calcium intakes were assessed by using frequency questionnaire and diary. It was found that BMD and BMC were significantly and positively associated with weight-bearing physical activities (WBPA) (P < 0.01), total physical activities (TPA) (P < 0.01) rather than non-weight-bearing physical activity (P > 0.05) at all the studied bone sites (P < 0.01). Both BMC and BMD were tending to a better increase of WBPA. When WBPA increases from 227 to 415 (kcal/d), mean BMC and BMD were increased in 17.5%-29.0% and 8.8%-17.1%, respectively. It should be helpful for premenarche girls to improve bone mass by increasing physical activities, especially weight-bearing physical activities.

Influence of body composition and weight-bearing physical activity in BMD of pre-pubertal children

Influence of body composition and weight-bearing physical activity in BMD of pre-pubertal children

Bone Density and Young Athletic Women

High-school girls and collegiate women have tremendous opportunities to participate in athletic teams. Young girls are also playing in club and select teams at an early age and often, year-round. There are many benefits for participating in sport and physical activity on both the physical and mental health of girls and women. Decreased risk for heart disease and diabetes mellitus, along with improved self-esteem and body-image, were among the first reported benefits of regular physical activity. In addition, sport participation and physical activity is also associated with bone health. Athletes have a greater bone mineral density compared with non-active and physically active females. The increase in bone mass should reduce the risk of fragility fractures in later life. There appears to be a window of opportunity during the development of peak bone mass in which the bone is especially responsive to weight-bearing physical activity. Impact loading sports such as gymnastics, rugby or volleyball tend to produce a better overall osteogenic response than sports without impact loading such as cycling, rowing and swimming. Relatively little is known about the impact of retiring from athletics on bone density. It appears that former athletes continue to have a higher bone density than non-athletes; however, the rate of bone loss appears to be similar in the femoral neck. The positive impact of sports participation on bone mass can be tempered by nutritional and hormonal status. It is not known whether female athletes need additional calcium compared with the general female population. Due to the increased energy expenditure of exercise and/or the pressure to obtain an optimal training bodyweight, some female athletes may develop low energy availability or an eating disorder and subsequently amenorrhoea and a loss of bone mineral density. The three inter-related clinical disorders are referred to as the 'female athlete triad'. This article presents a review of the relationship between sports training and bone health, specifically bone mineral density, in young athletic women.

Self-Reported Lifetime Physical Activity and Areal Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: The Importance of Teenage Activity

Girls who exercise athletically have higher bone mass than their sedentary counterparts, and this difference may be sustained in adulthood. However, whether moderate physical activity during youth confers lasting benefits for bone is unclear. We explored lifetime physical activity and current areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in 78 postmenopausal women with no known history of osteoporosis. Subjects reported physical activity for four age periods (12-18, 19-34, 35-49, > or = 50 years) using the Historical Leisure Activity Questionnaire, completed two 3-day food records, had measurements of height and weight, and aBMD assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine (L1-4) and proximal femora. Low aBMD was detected at the lumbar spine in 43 (56%) women and at the proximal femora in 38 (49%) women. Teenage physical activity, but not activity during other age periods, was associated with current aBMD at both sites (lumbar spine r = 0.31, P < 0.01; mean proximal femora r = 0.33, P < 0.01). Weight-bearing physical activity (WBPA) at age 12-18 years was the only predictor of current lumbar spine aBMD (R (2) = 0.110, P = 0.004). Current proximal femoral aBMD was positively predicted by physical activity at age 12-18 years and negatively predicted by current age (R (2) = 0.175, P = 0.001). Subjects above the median of teen WBPA had 5-8% higher current aBMD than those reporting less teen WBPA and were less likely to be classified with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Moderate physical activity during years of peak bone acquisition appears to have lasting benefits for lumbar spine and proximal femoral aBMD in postmenopausal women.

Weight-Bearing Physical Activity and Bone Mineral Density Among Women Using Depo-Provera.

Depo-Provera (DEPO) is a widely-used contraceptive method. While effective in preventing pregnancy, DEPO also decreases bone density. In contrast, weight-bearing activity has been shown to increase bone density. Currently, it is unknown if a relationship exists between physical activity and bone density in the presence of hormones that may inhibit bone development, such as DEPO. PURPOSE: To determine if weight-bearing activity is related to bone mineral density among women taking DEPO. METHODS: A total of 13 women, (age 19–37 years) who had been taking DEPO for at least one year participated in this study. Bone mineral density at each hip and the lumbar spine were measured using a Hologic 4500W DEXA. Physical activity was measured using a pedometer (New Lifestyles NL-2000) for a period of one week. Participants were also asked to complete a 3-day dietary record to assess calcium intake. RESULTS: When controlling for calcium intake, average step count and bone density were not significantly correlated (P >.05) at the right hip (r = −.28), left hip (r = −.28), or lumbar spine (r = −.17). However, calcium intake was significantly associated with bone mineral density (g/cm2) at the right hip (r = .66), left hip (r = .74), and lumbar spine (r = .62). Overall, activity step counts were below recommended amounts and only three participants consumed the recommended amount of dietary calcium. CONCLUSION: Weight-bearing activity was not linked to bone mineral density in this investigation. This observation may reflect the low physical activity levels exhibited by a majority of study participants. Conversely, it appears that calcium intake may play an important role in combating the negative consequences of DEPO in young adult women.

Factors Influencing Bone Mineral Density and Content in Young Girls

The influence of height, body mass, daily physical activity (DPA), and dietary calcium intake (DCI) on bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) was evaluated in 33 four-year-old girls. Results indicated that body mass was significantly correlated with and predictive of BMD and BMC at all sites except the femoral neck BMD. DPA and height also explained a significant proportion of the variance in femoral neck BMD and BMC of the lumbar spine and total body. DCI was not related to or predictive of BMD or BMC at any bone site. These findings highlight the importance of engaging in daily weight-bearing physical activity to promote bone health in young girls.

How does Exercise Affect Bone Development during Growth?

It is increasingly accepted that osteoporosis is a paediatric issue. The prepubertal human skeleton is quite sensitive to the mechanical stimulation elicited by physical activity. To achieve the benefits for bone deriving from physical activity, it is not necessary to perform high volumes of exercise, since a notable osteogenic effect may be achieved with just 3 hours of participation in sports. Physical activity or participation in sport should start at prepubertal ages and should be maintained through the pubertal development to obtain the maximal peak bone mass potentially achievable. Starting physical activity prior to the pubertal growth spurt stimulates both bone and skeletal muscle hypertrophy to a greater degree than observed with normal growth in non-physically active children. High strain-eliciting sport like gymnastics, or participation in sports or weight-bearing physical activities like football or handball, are strongly recommended to increase the peak bone mass. Moreover, the increase in lean mass is the most important predictor for bone mineral mass accrual during prepubertal growth throughout the population. Since skeletal muscle is the primary component of lean mass, participation in sport could have not only a direct osteogenic effect, but also an indirect effect by increasing muscle mass and hence the tensions generated on bones during prepubertal years.

Adaptive Skeletal Responses to Mechanical Loading during Adolescence

Adolescence, defined as the period between puberty and maturity, provides a 'window of opportunity' for positive skeletal adaptations to mechanical loading unlike any other period in life. Age-related bone loss highlights the importance of accumulating sufficient bone mass during formative years. Adolescents who regularly engage in weight-bearing mechanical loading appear advantaged in site-specific markers of bone mass. The positive influence of physical activity on bone mineral accrual during growth has been extensively studied; however, few studies have examined skeletal responses to mechanical loading during adolescence. Weight-bearing physical activity, particularly high-impact sports such as gymnastics, is recognised as being more osteogenic than weight-supported activities. Unilateral loading activities such as tennis or squash provide a direct comparison of skeletal response without sampling bias or genetic confounding. Intervention and longitudinal studies show evidence of positive skeletal adaptations; however, sustainability of skeletal advantages remains unclear. Limitations inherent with single-plane dual x-ray absorptiometry technology are well recognised. The integration of densitometric data with structural responses to mechanical loading using 3-dimensional imaging technologies such as peripheral quantitative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging appears vital to enhancing our understanding of adolescent musculoskeletal health.

Progressive High-Intensity Resistance Training and Bone Mineral Density Changes Among Premenopausal Women

Regular weight-bearing physical activity has been widely recommended for adult women and may be beneficial in preserving bone mineral density (BMD). However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of resistance training on BMD in premenopausal women. Novel systematic review and meta-analysis evidence is presented on the effects of progressive high-intensity resistance training on BMD in premenopausal women. Structured computer searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus and Evidence Based Medicine Reviews Multifile were undertaken along with hand-searching of key journals and reference lists to locate relevant studies published up to September 2004. Criteria for included studies were published controlled studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of progressive, high-intensity resistance training studies on BMD in premenopausal women. Two authors reached consensus on all included and excluded studies. Study outcomes for analysis were radiographic BMD assessment from first follow-up at lumbar spine and femoral neck. Primary outcomes for analysis were absolute changes in BMD g/cm(2) at lumbar spine and femoral neck. Relative changes (percentage change) in BMD at lumbar spine were also assessed. Data were extracted from studies including study design, participant characteristics and treatment mode, intensity and duration, using electronic data extraction forms. Where necessary, relevant information was obtained by contacting study authors. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using a well recognised three-question instrument designed to assess bias. Informal assessment for small sample study effects and potential bias was undertaken through visual inspection of funnel plots. The weighted mean difference method (inverse of the variances) was used for combining study group estimates. Quantification of the effect of heterogeneity among study outcomes was assessed using the I(2) statistic. Random effects and fixed-effect models were applied according to observed study heterogeneity. Comparisons resulting in I(2) > 50.0% were considered heterogeneous. Where heterogeneity was observed, a random effects model was applied. Pooled estimates of effect were calculated using the Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager (RevMan) 4.2.1 software.High-intensity progressive resistance training was shown to be efficacious in increasing absolute BMD at the lumbar spine (p < 0.00001) but not the femoral neck (p = 0.78) in premenopausal women. The weighted mean difference (WMD) using a fixed-effect model for six controlled trials investigating the lumbar spine BMD change was 0.014 g/cm(2) (95% CI 0.009, 0.019; p < 0.00001). The relative BMD change for this site was 0.98% (WMD [random effects], 95% CI 0.49, 3.91%; p = 0.04). In contrast, studies evaluating femoral neck BMD changes showed no significant BMD change (WMD [fixed effect], 0.001 g/cm(2) 95% CI -0.006, 0.008; p = 0.78). Funnel plot inspection of lumbar spine effects indicated that smaller studies demonstrated larger treatment effects. An asymmetry towards studies with positive BMD outcomes was also noted. The methodological quality score of all included studies was low and no study presented a valid intention-to-treat accounting for participant drop-out (attrition). As such, the modest overall treatment effects for resistance training on BMD among premenopausal women observed in this review may be biased and should be interpreted with caution. It is concluded that further RCTs of resistance training of sufficiently long duration and providing optimum type, intensity and volume of loading, with intention-to-treat analysis are now required.

IBD and Skeletal Health: Children Are Not Small Adults!

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease often have decreased bone mass, and fragility fractures can occur. Multiple disease- and treatment related factors, including malnutrition, inflammation, malabsorption, decreased weight-bearing physical activity, and corticosteroids negatively influence bone metabolic activity. Because low-impact fracture is the pathologic expression of critically reduced bone mass and bone quality, knowing the relative risk of fractures in patients with IBD is of great interest. The absolute risk for incident fractures in these patients is still being debated. Clinical and laboratory research is clarifying mechanisms by which IBD can affect the function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In this concise review, we aim to provide an update on this topic, with focus on how pediatric IBD affects bone health.

Physical Activity, Body Fat And Bone Mass In Asthmatic Girls

The prevalence of asthma in youth has increased during the last two decades, resulting in millions of school days lost and billions of dollars in health care costs. Concern that physical activity may trigger an asthma attack may cause asthmatic children to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle and increase their risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis later in life. While a handful of researchers have examined the influence of asthma on daily physical activity levels, obesity, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in children, few have looked at the relationship between disease severity and these variables. PURPOSE To evaluate the influence of disease severity on daily stepping time (DST), BMD, BMC and body fat in asthmatic adolescent girls. METHODS Twenty-three non-asthmatic (NON) (13.8 ± 0.5 yrs), 27 mild persistent/mild intermittent (MILD) (14.0 ± 0.9 yrs), and 19 moderate persistent/severe persistent (MOD/SEV) (13.9 ± 1.1 yrs) participants were studied. DST (min) was measured using the My Life Stepper 2525 (MLS 2525) pedometer. Body fat, as well as BMD and BMC at the lumbar spine (LS), right total proximal femur (RTPF) and total body, were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). RESULTS NON exhibited significantly higher (p ≤ 0.10) DST compared to MILD and MOD/SEV (133 ± 27 vs. 117 ± 27 and 115 ± 19, respectively). DST and disease severity were not significant predictors of body fat. Body mass accounted for 17% to 51% of the variation in BMD and BMC across sites. DST and disease severity added significantly to the prediction of BMD and BMC at the RTPF (R2change = 0.05), with DST displaying the greatest impact. CONCLUSION Collectively, these results suggest that asthmatic girls are less active than their non-asthmatic peers. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that DST exerts a significant influence on BMD and BMC in girls, emphasizing the importance of performing daily weight-bearing physical activity with respect to bone health. Funded by the North American Society for Pediatric Exercise Medicine, the Graduate and Professional Student Association at Arizona State University, and the Douglas Conley Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Factors affecting bone mineral density in patients with prostate carcinoma before and after orchidectomy

Orchidectomy is an accepted form of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate carcinoma. Osteoporosis is common in elderly individuals and is accelerated by ADT. The authors studied changes in bone mineral density (BMD) after ADT and factors that affected those changes. Fifty patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma who opted to undergo orchidectomy were studied prospectively. All patients completed 6 months of follow-up, and 20 of those patients completed 12 months of follow-up. Patients' age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, addiction (smoking, alcohol), dietary calcium intake, and lactose tolerance status were noted. Lumbar spinal (L1-L3) trabecular BMD was measured with quantitative computed tomography (QCT) at baseline and every 6 months for 1 year and was compared with preoperative values. The effects of various patient characteristics on preoperative BMD and changes in BMD also were analyzed. The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) age of the patients was 69.5 +/- 8.1 years, BMI was 23.5 +/- 3.9 kg/m2, dietary calcium intake was 1066.1 +/- 443.3 mg per day. Thirty-eight percent of patients were lactose intolerant. Sixty-two percent of patients were in the light weight-bearing activity group. The mean +/- SD preoperative BMD was 119.2 +/- 34.9 mg/cc, with T-scores of - 1.77 +/- 1.22 and Z-scores of 0.43 +/- 1.27. A decrease in BMD during the first 6 months ( approximately 13%) was statistically significant (P = 0.0001) and continued further during next 6 months (BMD loss of approximately 18% at 12 months). Patients with osteoporosis, as defined by T-scores < or = - 2.5, increased from 24% at baseline to 48% at 6 months. Nonsmokers, nonalcoholics, patients with higher physical activity, and patients with a BMI > 25 kg/m2 had statistically significant higher BMD compared with their counterparts (P < 0.05). Body weight < 60 kg and BMI < 25 kg/m2 were significant risk factors for loss of BMD (P < 0.05). Dietary calcium had a discernible but statistically insignificant effect on BMD (P = 0.16). Lactose intolerance had no significant effect on BMD or bone loss. Osteoporosis was common in the population affected by prostate carcinoma. Orchidectomy led to accelerated bone loss. Periodic measurement of BMD after ADT would help in the early detection of osteoporosis. Maintenance of high BMI, weight-bearing physical activity, avoidance of alcohol and smoking, and possibly high dietary calcium intake help in maintaining bone mass.