Regular strength and sprint training counteracts bone aging : a 10‐year follow‐up in male masters athletes

Abstract

Cross‐sectional and interventional studies suggest that high‐intensity strength and impact‐type training provide a powerful osteogenic stimulus even in old age. However, longitudinal evidence on the ability of high‐intensity training to attenuate age‐related bone deterioration is currently lacking. This follow‐up study assessed the role of continued strength and sprint training on bone aging in 40‐ to 85‐year‐old male sprinters (n=69) with a long‐term training background. pQCT‐derived bone structural, strength and densitometric parameters of the distal tibia and tibia midshaft were assessed at baseline and 10 years later. The groups of well‐trained (actively competing, sprint training including strength training ≥2 times/wk; n=36) and less‐trained (<2 times/wk, no strength training, switched to endurance training; n=33) athletes were formed according to self‐reports at follow‐up. Longitudinal changes in bone traits in the two groups were examined using linear mixed models. Over the 10‐year period, group‐by‐time interactions were found for distal tibia total BMC, trabecular vBMD, and compressive strength index, and for mid‐tibia cortical cross‐sectional area, medullary area, total BMC, and BMC at the anterior and posterior sites (polar mass distribution analysis) (p<0.05). These interactions reflected maintained (distal tibia) or improved (mid‐tibia) bone properties in the well‐trained and decreased bone properties in the less‐trained athletes over the 10‐year period. Depending on the bone variable, the difference in change in favor of the well‐trained group ranged from 2 to 5%. The greatest differences were found in distal tibia trabecular vBMD and mid‐tibia posterior BMC, which remained significant (p<0.05) after adjustment for multiple testing. In conclusion, our longitudinal findings indicate that continued strength and sprint training is associated with maintained or even improved tibial properties in middle‐aged and older male sprint athletes, suggesting that regular, intensive exercise counteracts bone aging.