The relationship of maximal oxygen consumption to bone mineral density in Iranian young women.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and bone mineral density (BMD) in Iranian young women.

METHODS: Iranian young women (n = 127), aged 24-36 years, participated in this study. Body weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. VO2 max was determined by the Rackport test. In addition, blood levels of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were evaluated, and a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device was used to measure BMD in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN).

RESULTS: Results showed a significant relationship between VO2 max with LS and FN BMDs (LS: r = .50 and .59, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher levels of VO2 max predicted higher BMD LS and FN.

CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the researchers concluded that VO2 max is a useful indirect marker for BMD in young women. Also, it seems that VO2 max may be able to predict the potential for osteoporosis in Iranian young women.