Leisure physical activity and the risk of fracture in men
2007

Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Fracture in Men

Sample size: 2205 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Karl Michaëlsson, Helena Olofsson, Karin Jensevik, Sune Larsson, Hans Mallmin, Lars Berglund, Bengt Vessby, Håkan Melhus

Primary Institution: University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden

Hypothesis

Does leisure physical activity influence the risk of osteoporotic fractures in men?

Conclusion

Regular sports activities can reduce the risk of fractures in older men.

Supporting Evidence

  • Men with a sedentary lifestyle had a 2.56 times higher risk of hip fracture.
  • Only 8.4% of men with high physical activity suffered a hip fracture.
  • One third of all hip fractures could be prevented by regular sports activities.

Takeaway

If older men exercise more, they are less likely to break their bones.

Methodology

A cohort study with 2,205 men followed for 35 years, assessing physical activity and fracture incidence.

Potential Biases

Participants who were more physically active may have been more likely to participate in follow-ups.

Limitations

The study may have underreported physical activity due to self-reporting biases.

Participant Demographics

Men aged 49-51 years at baseline, living in Uppsala, Sweden.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.004

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.55–4.24

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.0040199

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