The process of utilizing structured exercise that requires muscles to contract against an external load, such as weights or body weight, to generate mechanical strain on the skeletal system, resulting in a measurable increase in bone mineral density and enhanced bone structural strength. This form of exercise is a cornerstone non-pharmacological intervention for preventing and managing osteoporosis, as it provides the essential mechanical stimulus for osteogenesis. It represents a direct, physiological method for skeletal reinforcement.
Origin
This term is derived from exercise science and orthopedic research, where the positive relationship between muscle strength and bone density has been consistently documented. The use of “resistance training” highlights the specific type of muscular contraction that provides the necessary tension and compression forces to the bone. It is a direct application of the mechanotransduction principle.
Mechanism
Muscle contraction during resistance training pulls on the bone at the sites of tendon insertion, generating significant tensile and compressive forces that travel through the bone matrix. These forces are sensed by osteocytes, which initiate the signaling cascade that promotes the differentiation and activity of osteoblasts. The result is increased collagen synthesis and mineralization, leading to a net gain in bone mass and an improved microarchitectural arrangement that increases fracture resistance.
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