Introduction: Bone formation marker osteocalcin (OC) and bone resorption marker
C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) can be used to detect or to monitor
the early responses of the skeleton to physical activity. Literature suggests that it
is likely that higher body mass index (BMI) has positive effect on bones and can
postpone onset of osteoporosis.
Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to:
1. Determine the effect of aerobic physical acitivity on OC and CTX in young
women
2. Investigate correlation of OC, CTX and BMI in young women engaged into
structured aerobic excercise
Material and methods: Study included 64 healthy young women, aged 19 to
25 years, devided into two groups: intervention group (n=32) and control group
(n=32). The study duration was six weeks with follow-up period of four weeks. The
intervention group underwent structured aerobic physical activity program for six
weeks, but the control group did not receive such program. Level of OC, CTX and
BMI were measured at baseline, after 6-week aerobic program, and after 4-week
follow up (only intervention group).
Results: There was significant increase of OC level after 6-week aerobic program,
while level of CTX did not changed. OC level was at its maximum immediately after
finishing the program in the participants with normal BMI (p<0.001). There was no
statistically significant interaction of BMI and CTX level.
Conclusion: Aerobic physical activity increases level of osteocalcin, suggesting
that it has positive influence on bone formation in young women, primarily in women
with normal BMI.