Effect That Lifestyle during the Growth Period Has on Bone Density Acquisition—Using Simple Exercise and a Nutrition Survey

This survey was conducted with the aim of clarifying and providing guidance regarding correct lifestyle and exercise habits from adolescence in order to prevent the development of osteoporosis. The subjects included 195 Japanese adult females. We measured their calcaneal bone density by ultrasonography, the index of which was determined as SOS (Speed of Sound). We examined their physical characteristics, health conditions, amount of physical activity, exercise history, and eating habits, and then analyzed the relationship thereof with bone density. No significant correlation was found between height, weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), or body fat percentage and the SOS value. Moreover, the bone density among those with a history of exercise was high. Breaking it down, we obtained results such as the fact that exercise habits during the junior and senior high school years had a great impact on the acquisition of peak bone mass, although no relationship between exercise habits and bone density was found during the elementary school years. Furthermore, as the bone density of students who continued exercising in junior and senior high school indicated high values, continuity of exercise during the growth period (during puberty) is believed to have a great impact on peak bone mass. Upon investigating the content of meals including foods which have a positive impact on the bones, “bean and bean products” and “green and yellow vegetables” were found to be related to bone density. From the above, the effect that the lifestyle of young adult females had on bone density was partially clarified. In particular, one factor which had a strong relationship with current bone density was exercise history during the junior and senior high school periods. It was clarified that continuously engaging in exercise and placing strain on the bones during these periods lead to high bone density acquisition.