Skeletal site-specific effects of jump training on bone mineral density in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials
PubMed 38305252 · doi:10.1080/02640414.2024.2312052
What was done
Authors conducted a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of PubMed and Cochrane Library databases through February 2022. They evaluated the effects of jump training versus non-jumping control conditions on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in men and women aged 18 years and older. Fifteen articles covering 19 jumping trials met inclusion criteria, with 18 trials involving 666 participants providing quantitative BMD data.
What was found
Jump training produced a statistically significant increase in femoral neck BMD (% mean difference: +1.50%, 95% CI 0.83% to 2.17%, p < 0.0001), which remained significant across both younger (+1.81%, 95% CI 0.98% to 2.65%) and older adults (+1.03%, 95% CI 0.02% to 2.03%). Total hip BMD (+1.26%, 95% CI 0.56% to 1.96% vs +0.06%, 95% CI -0.96% to 1.08%) and trochanter BMD (+0.84%, 95% CI 0.20% to 1.48% vs -0.16%, 95% CI -1.08% to 0.76%) increased significantly only in younger adults. Lumbar spine changes were non-significant in younger (+0.84%, 95% CI -0.02% to 1.70%) and older adults (-0.09%, 95% CI -0.96% to 0.77%). No dose-response effect was detected relative to the median jump-load of 50 jumps four times weekly.
Why it matters
This meta-analysis shows that high-impact jump training provides site-specific osteogenic stimulation, consistently enhancing femoral neck BMD across adult age groups without requiring specialized equipment.
Limits
The total sample size across 18 trials is modest (666 participants, averaging approximately 37 per trial). The abstract provides no data on bone turnover markers despite listing them as an objective, and lacks information on adverse events, long-term adherence, or clinical fracture outcomes. The absence of a clear dose-response relationship limits precise exercise prescription.
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