Your skeleton consists of 206 bones that make up the framework of your body. Bones are the most rigid type of connective tissue, and they provide support, movement, protection and mineral storage. With exercise, your muscles contract to move your bones, which act as levers. While your muscles may be generating the force, your bones provide directional movement. Healthy bones are strong and dense. Exercise has been cited by the International Osteoporosis Foundation as the primary factor in maintaining bone health. Your skeleton is highly responsive to the stresses that exercise places upon it.
Effects of Exercise on Bones
There are different types of stresses placed on your bones. There is a constant stress on your bones to bear your weight. Additional stresses include movement due to everyday activities. Exercise places a greater than normal stress on your bones as working muscles pull on your bones while holding weights or in motion. As a result of these stresses, your bones respond by increasing the amount of mineral salt, and tissue fibers. These increases result in an increase in bone mass and bone density.
Effects on Children
Peak bone mass is reached during your 20s. For children, exercise will assist in the growth and development of your skeleton, building stronger bones. A study by the International Osteoporosis Foundation found that active girls measured up to 40 percent more bone mass when compared to inactive girls. With excessive activity, there can be disadvantages. Overtraining in teenage girls can lead to amenorrhea--a disruption of the menstrual cycle--leading to lowered estrogen levels and decreased bone mass.
Effects on Women
With menopause, there is a decrease in hormone production, particularly estrogen, which affects bone health. Changes due to menopause include a loss of bone protein resulting in a weakening of the skeleton. As a result, bone loss due to decreased minerals and density can result in osteoporosis. This condition causes fragile and brittle bones. A study by A.L.Friedlander and H.K. Genant concluded that aerobic exercise and weight training had positive effects on reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Effects on Aging
As you age, bone mineral loss may cause postural problems. Exercise will strengthen your muscles supporting your spine to prevent kyphosis, a condition in which your shoulders round forward creating a hunched-back position. Exercise improves balance and coordination, which is helpful in preventing falls which fracture, or break bones. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, there are 1.6 million hip fractures annually. The key to bone health for the elderly is to prevent bone loss through exercise. While exercise will not prevent all falls and trauma, it does play a positive role in rehabilitation. A stronger skeleton will respond more positively to rehabilitation for skeletal injuries.
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