Effects of 8-week increment aerobic exercise program on bone metabolism and body composition in young non-athletes

Purpose The effects of aerobic exercise on bone metabolism are still unclear. Thus, the main goal of this study was to explore if there was an effect of the short-term aerobic exercise program on the bone remodeling process and if there were sex differences in the effect of the training program on bone metabolism. Methods Twenty-one participants (men and women) aged 20–23 performed an 8-week aerobic exercise program three times per week in 1-h sessions with increases in the exercise load every 2 weeks. Bone density, bone mineral content and concentration of markers of bone metabolism: osteocalcin, C-terminal procollagen type I peptide, pyridinoline, parathyroid hormone, osteoprotegerin, and the receptor activator of nuclear kappa B ligand by ELISA were measured at the start and at the end of the study, while changes in body composition were assessed by a bioelectric impedance analysis method 6 times during the study. Results The aerobic exercise program increased the concentration of osteocalcin (11.34 vs 14.24 ng/ml), pyridinoline (67.51 vs 73.99 nmol/l), and the receptor activator of nuclear kappa B ligand (95.122 vs 158.15 pg/ml). A statistically significant increase in bone density at neck mean (1.122 vs 1.176 g/cm3) and in bone mineral content at dual femur (33.485 vs 33.700 g) was found in women, while there was no statistically significant change at any site in men. Conclusion 8 weeks of the aerobic exercise program with increment in intensity increased some of bone remodeling biomarkers and showed different effects for men and women.