Comparison of trabecular bone microarchitecture between older males with and without a running habit: A cross-sectional study

Objectives

Despite its prevalence among seniors, the impact of running on trabecular bone microarchitecture, especially in weight-bearing sites, remains relatively unexplored. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the impact of habitual running on bone health, specifically bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone microarchitecture, in male older adults.

Methods

Twenty-five male recreational runners aged between 50 and 75 years old were recruited in this study (RUN; average running experience 7.5 ± 6.0 years, average monthly running volume 217 ± 120 km), and 25 age matched sedentary older males served as controls (CON). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to obtain bone mineral density (BMD) measures at whole-body, bilateral proximal femur as well as lumbar spine for all participants. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to obtain trabecular bone microarchitectural parameters at distal femur and distal tibia for all participants.

Results

Findings revealed no significant difference in BMD between groups for all measured sites (all p > 0.05; d range 0.013–0.540). However, runners displayed higher bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness at the distal tibia (p = 0.012 and 0.001; 95 % CI of MD [-0.030, −0.004] and [-0.013, −0.004]; d = 0.739 and 1.034, respectively) and higher trabecular thickness at the distal femur (p = 0.002; 95 % CI of MD [-0.010, −0.002]; d = 0.907).

Conclusions

This study provides critical insights into the relationship between running and bone health in older adults, suggesting regular recreational running may positively influence trabecular bone microarchitecture, potentially enhancing bone strength and reducing fracture risk. These findings pave the way for future research to develop evidence-based exercise recommendations for an aging population.