The effect of a high-impact jumping intervention on bone mass, bone stiffness and fitness parameters in adolescent athletes

This study demonstrates that a 9-month jumping intervention can improve bone mass gains and physical fitness performance in adolescent males participating in non-osteogenic sports, such as swimming and cycling.PurposeTo examine the effect of a jumping intervention on bone mass, bone stiffness and fitness parameters in adolescents involved in different sports.MethodsNinety-three adolescent male swimmers (SWI), footballers (FOO) and cyclists (CYC) were randomised to intervention (INT) and sport (INT-SWI=19, INT-FOO=15, INT-CYC=14) or sport only (CON-SWI=18, CON-FOO=15, CON-CYC=12) groups. The 9-month jumping intervention consisted of 3 levels (12weeks each) of 20 repetitions per set of counter movement jumps (CMJ) using adjustable weight vests (level 1=20CMJ jumps/set, 0kg, 3sets/day, 3times/week; level 2=20CMJ jumps/set, 2kg, 4sets/day, 3times/week; level 3=20CMJ jumps/set, 5kg, 4sets/day, 4times/week). Total body bone mineral content (BMC) at total body less head (TBLH) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and bone stiffness using quantitative ultrasound. Fitness was assessed using the 20-m shuttle run (20mSRT), CMJ and standing long jump (SLJ) tests.ResultsINT-SWI had significantly higher increase in BMC legs and bone stiffness compared to CON-SWI (4.2-12.7%). INT-CYC had significantly higher increase in BMC at TBLH and legs and bone stiffness compared to CON-CYC (5.0-12.3%). There were no significant differences between INT-FOO and CON-FOO in any bone outcomes (0.9-3.9%). The increase in CMJ performance was significantly higher in INT-SWI (3.1cm) and INT-CYC (3.2cm) compared to CON-SWI and CON-CYC groups, respectively.ConclusionsA 9-month jumping intervention can improve bone mass, bone stiffness and muscular fitness in adolescent males participating in non-osteogenic sports, such as swimming and cycling.Clinical Trial RegistrationISRCTN17982776.