Bezerra A, Freitas L, Maciel L, Fonseca H. Bone Tissue Responsiveness To Mechanical Loading-Possible Long-Term Implications of Swimming on Bone Health and Bone Development.
Curr Osteoporos Rep 2022;
20:453-468. [PMID:
36401774 DOI:
10.1007/s11914-022-00758-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To revisit the bone tissue mechanotransduction mechanisms behind the bone tissue response to mechanical loading and, within this context, explore the possible negative influence of regular swimming practice on bone health, particularly during the growth and development period.
RECENT FINDINGS
Bone is a dynamic tissue, responsive to mechanical loading and unloading, being these adaptative responses more intense during the growth and development period. Cross-sectional studies usually report a lower bone mass in swimmers compared to athletes engaged in weigh-bearing sports. However, studies with animal models show contradictory findings about the effect of swimming on bone health, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies. Due to its microgravity characteristics, swimming seems to impair bone mass, but mostly at the lower limbs. It is unkown if there is a causal relationship between swimming and low BMD or if other confounding factors, such as a natural selection whithin the sport, are the cause.
Collapse