Recreational football training preserves bone health in women over 9 years during the menopause transition

We examined the long-term effects of recreational football training on bone mineralization, osteogenic activity, and physical function in women during the menopause transition. 25 women (45 ± 4 yrs at recruitment) were randomized into an exercise group (EXE; n=12) completing 1-h football training sessions on average 1.7/wk for a consecutive 9-yr period or an inactive control group (CON; n=13). Pre and post, we measured bone mineralization and lean body mass, plasma bone turnover markers, and sprint performance. Significant time × group interactions were for leg BMD, leg BMC, femur shaft BMD, CTX-I, PINP, leg lean mass, and sprint performance (all p < 0.01), favoring the exercise group. Leg bone mineral density (BMD) decreased (P=0.002) by 0.05 g/cm² [-0.08;-0.02] in CON, but was maintained in EXE, resulting in a higher leg BMD in EXE than CON (P=0.02). Leg bone mineral content (BMC) increased in EXE (time × group, P=0.005) resulting in a 56 g [4;108] higher (P=0.04) total leg BMC in EXE compared to CON. A between-group effect existed in favor of EXE for femur shaft BMD (time × group, P=0.005). Plasma CTX-I and PINP increased (both P=0.001) by 95% [43;147] and 64% [29–100] following EXE only (time × group, P=0.003 and 0.02). Leg lean mass increased (P < 0.001) by 1.5 kg [1.0;2.1] in EXE (time × group, P=0.006). Finally, sprint performance was maintained in EXE but declined (P < 0.001) by 10% [5;14] in CON (time × group, P=0.002). Recreational football training (on average 1.7 sessions per week) over 9 years preserves leg bone health, muscle mass and functional capacity in women during the menopause transition.