Physical inactivity is correlated to dozens, if not hundreds of diseases and conditions, with emphasis on obesity, heart disease and stroke. Generally, not as much attention is paid to osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease, although much research cites the importance of weight-bearing exercise in maintaining bone health.
Researchers found that weight-bearing exercises led to optimal benefits in bone development, mineralization, and structure. In their review, they show evidence that unlike adults, who must engage in regular physical activity to maintain bone mass, children who are active at an early age are more likely to benefit from improved skeletal health for the remainder of their lives. The authors conclude that weight-bearing exercise is critical for bone health and should be started at an early age; they also advocate that exercise should be prescribed to children in order to prevent osteoporosis.
