Scheduled for Health Posters, Friday, April 12, 2002, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, San Diego Convention Center: Exhibit Hall


The Effects of Past and Present Physical Activity on Bone Mineral Density Among College-Aged Women

M. Allison Ford1, Lori W. Turner2, Andy Mauromoustakos3 and Martha A. Bass2, (1)Florida Atlantic University, Davie, FL, (2)University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR, (3)University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR

Osteoporosis is a disease without a cure, affecting over 25 million people in the United States, 85% of whom are women. This disease is one of the most common diseases of aging. Osteoporosis, along with heart disease and cancer, is one of the three most serious diseases affecting women and is, in fact, more common than heart attacks and breast cancer among females. Lack of physical activity is associated with many diseases, so it comes as no surprise that it is also associated with osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of past and present physical activity on bone mineral density among a sample of college-aged women. Subjects included in this study were female students (N=157) enrolled in a Southern University. Right and left femoral, spinal and total body bone mineral density levels were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Frequency of present physical activity and participation in past physical activity was self-reported. Results indicated past and present physical activity to be significant risk factors for low bone mineral density among college-aged women. Pairwise correlations revealed present physical activity was significantly correlated with right femoral, left femoral and total body bone mineral density. Odds ratio revealed women that do not participate in regular physical activity are 4 times more likely to have low spinal bone mineral density than those who do participate in regular physical activity. The results indicate that lack of physical activity significantly influences bone mineral density among college-aged women. College-aged women should not only be encouraged to participate in regular physical activity for cardiovascular benefit but for bone health as well.
Keyword(s): health promotion, wellness/disease prevention

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