To examine relationships between physical activity (PA) and awareness and treatment status of low bone mineral density (BMD) among adults.
Design.
Cross-sectional.
Setting.
Stratified sample of adults living independently in the community.
Subjects.
A total of 1928 adults aged 50 years and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 were included in the analysis. Among those, about 54% were women, 84% were non-Hispanic whites, 65% were married, and 44% were between 50 and 59 years of age.
Measures.
Objective measures: femoral neck BMD and duration of PA and step counts measured by accelerometers. Self-report: strength exercise, and awareness and treatment of low bone density.
Analysis.
Multivariate regression analyses using SUDAAN.
Results.
Despite a high prevalence of low BMD, self-reported awareness, treatment, and PA were very low. After controlling socio-demographic and health-related factors, those who were aware of their low bone density status and who received treatment for it were less physically active than those who were unaware of their bone condition or who did not have any treatment.
Conclusions.
PA levels are below the recommended level for bone health benefits. Health care providers should consider screening individuals at risk of low bone density and encourage them to implement prevention and treatment regimen including increasing daily levels of PA.
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