Objectively Measured Physical Activity Is Associated with Vertebral Size in Midlife

Background Vertebral fractures reduce the quality of life and are a major burden to the health care sector. Small vertebral size is associated with increased vertebral fracture risk. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between physical activity and vertebral size, but their results seem somewhat contradictory. In this population-based birth cohort study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between objectively measured physical activity (PA) and vertebral size. Methods The study population consisted of 1202 cohort participants who underwent PA and vertebral size measurements at the age of 46–48. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA, ≥ 3.5 METs) was measured by a wrist-worn accelerometer (Polar Active, Polar Electro, Finland) for 14 days. The vertebral axial cross-sectional area (CSA) of the L4 vertebra was measured and calculated from lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at 46–48 years. We analyzed the association between the daily amount of MVPA (min/day) and vertebral CSA using multivariable linear regression analysis. Results The daily amount of MVPA was significantly and positively associated with CSA in both sexes. For every minute/day of MVPA, men had 0.71 mm2 (95% CI 0.36–1.06) and women 0.90 mm2 (95% CI 0.58–1.21) larger CSA. Conclusion PA of at least moderate intensity is positively associated with vertebral size and may thus prevent future vertebral fractures. Address for Corresponding author: Mahsa Modarress-Sadeghi, PO Box 21, 90029 OYS, Clinic of Physiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland. +358408480811. mahsa.modarress@oulu.fi The results of the study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation, and statement that results of the present study do not constitute endorsement by ACSM. NFBC1966 received financial support through University of Oulu Grant no. 24000692, Oulu University Hospital Grant no. 24301140, and ERDF European Regional Development Fund Grant no. 539/2010 A31592. The study has been financially supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture in Finland, grant numbers OKM/86/626/2014, OKM/43/626/2015 and OKM/17/626/2016, and Infotech Oulu, Finland. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Accepted for publication: 20 February 2019. © 2019 American College of Sports Medicine

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