Study: Resistance Training Benefits Bone Growth in Men

Long-term, progressive-intensity resistance training (RT) or jump training decreased sclerostin (a protein that, in high levels, can have a negative impact on bone formation) and increased levels of IGF-1 (a hormone associated with bone growth) in moderately active men with low bone mass.

A previous study by researchers from the University of Missouri indicated that 12 months of RT or jump training could benefit whole body and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and bone formation markers. In a secondary analysis of the data, they intended to examine whether weight-bearing exercises affected levels of IGF-I, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and sclerostin.
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The researchers randomly assigned 19 men, aged 25 to 60 years, with low bone mass to either RT or jump training for 12 months. Fasting blood samples were collected after a 24-hour period of no exercise at baseline, then again after the study period.

Overall, the researchers observed significant decreases in serum concentrations of sclerostin and significant increases in IGF-I in both groups. PTH levels remained the same.

“The beneficial effects of long-term, progressive-intensity RT or [jump training] on BMD in moderately active men with low bone mass are associated with decreased sclerostin and increased IGF-I,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Hinton PS, Nigh P, Thyfault J. Serum sclerostin decreases following 12 months of resistance- or jump-training in men with low bone mass. Bone. 2017;96(3):85-90.