Strong muscles help make strong bones: study

Higher muscle mass is linked with stronger bone development in children, according to researchers at the University of Southampton in the UK.

Working with 200 children who were measured as newborns and again between the ages of six and seven, the research team assessed bone mineral density, shape and size of the shinbone and body composition with scanning equipment.

The findings are important for preventing fractures and osteoporosis later in life, according to the study, which was published in the journal Bone.

"A ten per cent increase in peak bone mass will delay the onset of osteoporosis by 13 years," says lead investigator Dr. Rebecca Moon. "These findings point to the importance of early childhood physical activity to optimise muscle and bone growth."