Why are bones, especially in cyclists, prone to losing density?
Bone density is a reflection of how much mineral is in the bone, primarily calcium. We experience a loss of bone mineral with ageing but we also know that there is a relationship with physical activity - cycling is one such activity associated with reduced bone density.
What is going on in the bone when this happens?
Partly it is to do with impeded bone renewal; bone is a structural material unique in how it can remodel and replace damaged areas. But certain activities or hormonal changes can disrupt this process. Bone tends to remodel to withstand the force it is experiencing, so if you only do activities with very low loading forces, the bone adapts to become a weaker structure. In the same way, a heavier person puts more force through their skeleton so will usually have stronger bones than someone with low body mass.
Why is this a particular issue for cyclists?
There are very low loading forces in cycling; the bike supports the weight and so there are minimal gravitational forces acting on the bones. Muscle forces are important to bone, but those produced in cycling do not have a significant impact on the areas of the skeleton most at risk from osteoporosis - the lumbar spine, top of the femur bone, and the distal radius [wrist].
Which types of activity most benefit bone health?
Research has shown that it has to involve high stress, either through impact or muscle pull, and it should not be repetitive - if it's too repetitive, the stimulus is reduced. Cycling ticks none of these boxes, and worse still, when high-volume road cyclists are not on their bikes, they tend to be in recovery, so even normal, everyday loading is reduced. Competitive cyclists seem to be most at risk.
Is the problem compounded by under-fuelling?
Denne historien er fra November 09, 2023-utgaven av Cycling Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 09, 2023-utgaven av Cycling Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
"We tore around the Sydney suburbs at 60kph in a terrifying, feral pack"
Fast, furious and furry tales from Australia
RIDDEN AND REVIEWED BROMPTON G LINE £2,499
A Brompton for running riot in both town and country
How do different gravel conditions impact your tyre choice?
There are a myriad of tyres on the market but selecting the right one is easier than you think
FEAST OF SWEDEN
Soon after landing in Gothenburg, I began to realise how little I knew about Sweden.
THE WORLD'S GREATEST GRAVEL EVENTS
Globe-trotting gravel racer Joe Laverick chooses his eight favourite events, from coastal Wales to the wilds of Kenya
THE CALL OF THE WILD
Tempted to embark on a long-distance bike adventure? Let former round-the-world record holder and author Julian Sayarer inspire you to strike out and hit the road
Saint Piran accused of using non-UCI legal bikes
Cornish team also alleged to owe former staff tens of thousands of pounds
JOE LAVERICK GETTING INTO THE FEED ZONE
I've ridden through hundreds of feed zones in my time racing a bike.
Lowden not ready to stop after retirement
Former Hour record holder eyes UK time trial scene
Pogačar makes history (again) at Lombardia
Slovenian makes it four in a row at the late-season Italian Monument