Physical activity is an important factor in the risk reduction and treatment of osteoporosis. Physical activity assists in building and maintaining healthy bones, improving muscle strength, posture, balance and coordination, and reducing the risk of falls and broken bones (fractures). Physical activity also contributes to a sense of well-being and an overall improvement in quality of life physical activity is an important factor in reducing the risk of osteoporosis, reducing falls and broken bones (fractures), and helping people with osteoporosis to remain active.

How bone is formed

Bone is living tissue. It is constantly renewed through a process in which old bone is removed and replaced by new bone.

When we are children and teenagers, we build the bone that lasts us through our lifetime. After our mid 30s, the cells that build bone are not as efficient, and we begin to gradually lose bone. Significant bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become thin and brittle. The result can be fractures, most often of the hip, spine and wrist. At menopause, a woman's estrogen level falls dramatically, and she usually loses bone more quickly. That's why women are especially at risk of osteoporosis. 

Physical activity and bone

For healthy bones we need to achieve an ample peak bone mass when we are young, and maintain it as we age. Physical activity, combined with adequate calcium and Vitamin D, plays an important role in this process.

Physical activity places an increased "load" or force on our bones. Our bones respond by forming new bone and remodelling the bone to be stronger. Key bones, like the bones in our legs, back and wrist, need to be stimulated by physical activity -- so we need to be active in different ways in order to "load" or stimulate these bones and maintain their structural competence and strength.

Physical activity doesn't only affect bone mass. It improves our balance and coordination which, in turn, reduces our risk of falling -- falls that can result in fractures. In addition, improved strength, flexibility and posture can reduce pain and enable people with osteoporosis to do daily tasks more easily.