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© Newswise.
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Connection Between Exercise and Bone Mass in Young Girls
For More Information Contact: For Immediate Release, Aug. 26, 1998 OMAHA, Neb. -- Creighton University osteoporosis researcher Joan M. Lappe, Ph.D., R.N., has received a four-year $900,000 National Institutes of Health grant to study the effects of exercise on the bone mass of young girls. Lappe is conducting a separate research project examining the effects of a high-calcium diet on the bone mass of young girls. "Although osteoporosis is perceived as a disease of the elderly, the foundation for preventing it is built in adolescence," said Lappe, an associate professor in the Schools of Nursing and Medicine. "We develop between 45 and 60 percent of our bone mass during adolescence and peak at about age 30. It makes sense to build as much as we can during the formative years so that when we lose bone mass in later life we don't experience debilitating effects." One hundred fourteen 9-year-old girls will participate in the study over three years. They will be divided into three groups: one will eat a normal diet and exercise three times a week; another will eat a diet high in calcium and exercise three times a week; the third group will continue with normal diet and activity level. All girls will have their bone density measured every three months and will have their height and weight monitored. During each three-month period they will track their diets and physical activities in a diary for three days. Girls in the exercise groups will participate in hour-long exercise classes that meet three times a week at community centers or YWCAs. Instructors, who have had physical education and dance training, will strive to make the weight-bearing exercise fun. Participants in the high-calcium group will strive to get 1,500 mg of calcium each day from foods in their diet. An eight ounce glass of milk contains about 300 mg of calcium. Lappe said dairy foods would be emphasized, but that calcium-fortified foods such as orange juice would be included. Unlike randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, in this project the families will know whether they are in the exercise, high-calcium or the control group. Lappe said that the control group will benefit by gaining increased awareness and education about the importance of exercise and good nutrition and the knowledge that they are contributing to greater understanding of bone growth and development. Researchers are working with Baker's Supermarkets to supply the high-calcium foods. Baker's will supply a voucher card to participating families and then bill Creighton for the calcium laden products. In addition, the researchers have worked with the Great Plains Girl Scouts Council to recruit study participants. "We've had a great response from the Girl Scouts," Lappe said. "Girl Scouts who get involved can earn badges or work toward gold or silver awards. Parents and girls see this as a learning opportunity as well as a chance to contribute to our knowledge. We're educating girls about exercise and nutrition so they'll learn how these important factors can fit into their everyday lives." The researchers also want to make participating fun. Participants become members of the "Creighton University Healthy Bones Club." There will be occasional pizza parties as well as opportunities to explore various parts of Creighton's campus. -30-
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