Is physical inactivity a clinical risk factor for osteoporosis-related fractures?
Physical inactivity is not usually considered a major risk factor for osteoporosis. However, two recent large prospective observational studies have shown that older white women who are sedentary are at significantly higher risk (20 percent to 40 percent increased risk) for future hip fracture as compared to women who are currently moderately physically active (2 to 4 hours of exercise per week) (1, 2). These data are supported by many case-control studies in a variety of populations (3-9). Data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group (9) showed a significant association between activity level and hip fractures, even after adjusting for other known risk factors for osteoporotic fracture. Some of the findings of this study are summarized below.
Related Questions
- If physical inactivity is such a serious health risk, what is Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) doing to help Canadians improve their physical activity levels?
- Does screening using risk factor assessment and/or bone density testing reduce fractures?
- Why not include falls which are a well established clinical risk factor for fracture?
