{"id":640270,"date":"2026-08-16T14:41:32","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T14:41:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/640270\/"},"modified":"2026-08-16T14:41:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T14:41:32","slug":"new-research-challenges-common-exercise-advice-for-bone-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/640270\/","title":{"rendered":"New Research Challenges Common Exercise Advice for Bone Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Human<\/a>Certain forms of high-intensity exercise appear to trigger stronger early signals of bone formation than more conventional activities. Credit: Stock<\/p>\n

Bone formation markers responded most strongly to intense activities involving explosive movement and rapid changes of direction.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A sharp turn on a handball court may produce a stronger early signal of bone formation than a long walk. According to researchers at Semmelweis University, the intensity and movement patterns of exercise may matter more for bone health than the total amount performed.<\/p>\n

Their study, published in Sports Medicine\u2014Open, found that activities combining explosive movement, quick changes of direction, and turning produced the strongest response in markers associated with new bone formation. The results could inform exercise programs intended to preserve bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.<\/p>\n

The researchers reviewed 24 clinical studies involving 1,238 healthy adults. Instead of waiting for measurable changes in bone mineral density, they examined blood biomarkers that indicate whether the body is actively producing new bone tissue. These markers can reveal a response within weeks, much sooner than conventional bone density measurements.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes our study unique is that we examined not only the type of exercise\u2014whether endurance, resistance, or combined training\u2014but also exercise intensity, frequency, and duration. Our goal was to determine which forms of exercise stimulate bone metabolism most effectively and which appear to be less beneficial from this perspective,\u201d said Dr. P\u00e9ter Ferdinandy, Vice Rector for Science and Innovations at Semmelweis University and senior author of the study.<\/p>\n

\"P\u00e9ter<\/a>Dr. P\u00e9ter Ferdinandy, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovations at Semmelweis University and senior author of the study. Credit: B\u00e1lint Barta \u2013 Semmelweis University, Budapest, HungaryExplosive movement produced the strongest response<\/p>\n

High-intensity sports featuring repeated bursts of movement, sudden turns, and rapid changes of direction produced the clearest response. Recreational football and handball were associated with increases of as much as 45 to 46 percent in blood substances linked to bone formation. Walking, step aerobics, and conventional resistance workouts in the gym generally produced weaker effects.<\/p>\n

People should not begin demanding exercise suddenly or without adequate preparation. This caution is especially important for those with cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or metabolic conditions, as well as people with osteoporosis. Before starting a new activity or increasing training intensity, they should consult a treating physician, general practitioner, or sports medicine specialist to confirm that the program is appropriate for their health.<\/p>\n

\"Vikt\u00f3ria<\/a>Vikt\u00f3ria Barna, PhD student at Semmelweis University and first author of the study. Credit: B\u00e1lint Barta \u2013 Semmelweis University, Budapest, HungaryCommon exercise advice faces a challenge<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most surprising finding was that resistance training did not produce a significant effect on markers of bone metabolism, even though several professional guidelines recommend this type of exercise for maintaining bone health. Likewise, low- or moderate-intensity endurance exercise, such as walking or jogging, showed no meaningful long-term effect,\u201d explained Vikt\u00f3ria Barna, PhD student at Semmelweis University and first author of the study.<\/p>\n

That does not mean walking and other lower-intensity activities lack health benefits. However, the findings suggest that bones may need a stronger mechanical stimulus when the specific goal is to preserve their strength and health over time.<\/p>\n

Bone health programs may need intensity<\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to the World Health Organization<\/a>, regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits. However, our findings suggest that low-intensity exercise alone is not sufficient to stimulate bone metabolism. High-intensity exercise may trigger early beneficial changes in bone formation, potentially helping to slow bone loss and support healthy aging,\u201d summarized Dr. N\u00f3ra Syd\u00f3, clinical specialist and co-author of the study.<\/p>\n

The researchers say the results could support the design of evidence-based exercise programs focused on maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis.<\/p>\n

Reference: \u201cHigh-Intensity Training Increases Osteocalcin Levels: A Meta-Analysis of Effects of Exercise on Bone Remodeling biomarkers\u201d by Vikt\u00f3ria Barna, Amir Makolli, Zsuzsanna P\u00e1sztorn\u00e9 Beny\u00f3, Marie Anne Engh, \u00c1d\u00e1m Zolcs\u00e1k, Brigitta Teutsch, Vivienne Seymour, P\u00e9ter Hegyi, Ren\u00e1ta Papp, Nora Sydo and P\u00e9ter Ferdinandy, 2 June 2026, Sports Medicine \u2013 Open.
DOI: 10.1186\/s40798-026-00986-2<\/a><\/p>\n

This work was supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office of Hungary (Research Excellence Program TKP within the framework of the Therapeutic Development thematic program of Semmelweis University; National Heart Laboratory (RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00003) by Semmelweis University (Semmelweis Lend\u00fclet Grant; Translation Medicine Program), and by the 2024-2.1.2-EK\u00d6P-KDP-2024-00002 University Research Scholarship Programme of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the International Research Development and Innovation Fund.<\/p>\n

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