Regular walking is associated with greater lumbar spine bone mineral density in elderly men with adequate vitamin D levels

Sport practices play a major role in reducing age-related bone loss and preventing osteoporosis and associated fractures in later life. Normal vitamin D levels are crucial in maintaining bone mass and reducing bone turnover, especially in elderly adults. This study investigates whether regular walking combined with normal vitamin D3 levels improves areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) at weight-bearing and non—weight-bearing bones in older men compared to controls. Sixteen individuals who walked regularly (8–12 h/week) and fourteen controls (less than 2 h/week) aged between 60 and 75 years were recruited. Bone parameters (aBMD, BMC) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone turnover and various hormonal markers were measured. vitamin D3 levels were higher in walkers than controls, other hormonal and bone markers did not show any significant differences between the two groups. Walkers exhibited greater BMC and aBMD in the total hip, lumbar spine, dominant upper limb, and dominant and non-dominant whole and distal radius. However, exclusively the lumbar spine aBMD remained significantly higher in walkers after controlling for vitamin D3 levels and total sports participation. These findings suggest that regular walking may be associated with enhanced lumbar spine bone mineral density and maintained bone health in this vulnerable population. providing a strong argument for making such activities easily accessible.