High-Intensity Physical Activity During Late Adolescence Predicts Young Adult CT-Based Finite Element Bone Strength in Emerging Adulthood: Iowa Bone Development Study

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? Using CT-based finite element analysis of the tibia, this study found that higher intensity physical activity during late adolescence and emerging adulthood is associated with stronger bone structure. What is the implication of the main finding? Advanced imaging and biomechanical modeling improve bone health estimation. High-intensity physical activity during late adolescence and emerging adulthood improves bone strength. Objective: This study investigated associations between physical activity (PA) during late adolescence and emerging adulthood and bone strength in emerging adulthood by utilizing advanced finite element analysis of computed tomography (CT/FEA) technology beyond the traditional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method. Methods: This study included 266 participants (152 females) from the Iowa Bone Development Study. PA volume (average acceleration) and intensity (intensity gradient) metrics were calculated from ActiGraph accelerometer data collected at ages 17, 19, 21, and 23 years. Compressive modulus and compressive stiffness of the tibia were estimated at age 23 via CT/FEA of the tibia. Sex-specific linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between PA metrics and bone outcomes, adjusting for age, height, weight, musculoskeletal fitness, and calcium intake. Results: Intensity gradient averaged over 17–23 years of age was positively associated with compressive stiffness at age 23 years in both females and males (p < 0.01). Intensity gradient was positively associated with compressive modulus in females (p < 0.01), but not in males. No significant associations were found between average acceleration and either compressive stiffness or modulus in either sex (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Using a state-of-the-art CT/FEA method, this study suggests that high-intensity PA during late adolescence and emerging adulthood improves bone strength.