Recipients

Millions of Canadians, mostly elderly, are affected by osteoporosis, a serious bone disease that causes pain, disability and death. Although osteoporosis manifests itself in old age, its roots can be found in childhood. Researchers have shown that people who are physically active as children have stronger bones, as youth and as they enter adult life. If the bone health advantages can be maintained across the individual’s lifespan, the risk of developing osteoporosis could be reduced.

Dr. Rita Gruodyte is identifying the optimal time and type of exercise to bring about these childhood benefits. The purpose of her project is to identify whether participation in a recreational gymnastic sports program as a young child of four to six years of age confers bone health benefits in adolescence (10 to 12 years of age). In 2006, a group of 178 four- to six-year-olds were recruited from gymnastic and non-gymnastic sports programs and followed them for four years. These children are now being reassessed for a further two years as they enter adolescence (10 to 12 years of age). Annual assessments include measures of growth, bone health, physical activity and diet.

Dr. Gruodyte’s research will reveal whether recreational low intensity gymnastics involvement as a young child can provide a safe and viable means of improving future generation bone health and thus reduce the incidence of osteoporosis in later life. This information can then contribute to improving the quality of life for the elderly, and reducing the economic burdens associated with the disease.

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