Mechanisms of Exercise Effects on Bone Quantity and Quality

This chapter defines the functional mechanical environment of bone to demonstrate that the ability of physical signals to influence bone morphology strongly depends on the character of the signal. , Following this, it provides an overview of the molecular and cellular events that play a role in transducing the mechanical signal into a biochemical message. Based on this, it is understood that the precise physical and molecular factors of the mechanically derived signal is critical toward developing biomechanical prophylaxes that are clinically feasible, enjoy high compliance, and can prevent the bone loss leading to osteoporosis. In contrast to systemic, pharmaceutical interventions, the attributes of biophysical prophylaxes are that they are native to the bone tissue, safe at low intensities, incorporate all aspects of the remodeling cycle, and ultimately induce lamellar bone. Further, these signals appear to influence tissues beyond simply bone, with evidence that they can help retain musculature and postural stability, thus providing a more systems-based intervention for osteoporosis. Finally, the study states that by increasing peak bone mass and subsequently maintaining or decelerating bone loss; exercise is a critical deterrent to osteoporosis and these physical stimuli are strong influences on both the quantity and quality of the skeleton.