Studies on bone density in healthy girls during their period of growth spurt
Wu, J.; Qu, C.; Yan, R.
Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 31(1): 24-26
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-9624 PMID: 9812632 Document Number: 470398
Bone mass in 69 healthy girls in their period of growth spurt was measured twice, with an interval of one year, by dual energy X-ray bone densitometer to study the relationship between changes in bone density and the speed of height growth, development of secondary sex characteristics and nutritional status. Results showed that bone density in the different sites in the period of growth spurt increased significantly with their age, but with difference in the magnitude of its increase and in the time. Their nutritional status (overweight or underweight) correlated closely with sex development and increase in bone density. It suggests that it is necessary to strengthen nutrient intake during their puberty for preventing from osteoporosis. In addition, early puberty is an important period for the increase in female bone density, as a result of comparison of bone mass between prepuberty girls and young women. The results in this study can provide reference for further studies on bone mass in girls during their puberty.