Past and recent physical activity and bone mineral density in college-aged women.

Low bone mineral density (BMD) has been determined as an independent factor of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to assess physical activity's effect on BMD in college-aged women. Bone density measurements were obtained. A survey was administered to assess past and recent physical activity levels. Logistic regression revealed high school sports participation and lean tissue were significant predictors of femoral BMD, whereas present physical activity and lean tissue were significant predictors of spinal BMD. Women in the present study who did not participate in high school sports were 7 times more likely to have low BMD than were those who participated. This study revealed a protective effect of past and present physical activity on BMD in college-aged women. Children and young adults should be encouraged to participate in physical activity because it helps reduce their risk factors for osteoporosis later in life.