The Chronic Effects of a Quantified Jump-Landing Program on Bone Health, Body Composition and Performance Parameters in Premenopausal Women

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-month quantified jump-landing program at clinically relevant bone sites in premenopausal women. Secondary measures of interest included; lower body explosive power, muscle reactivity, balance performance parameters and body composition. A longitudinal controlled trial was implemented to determine the effect of utilizing previously quantified jumps and hops with specific cues provided for jump-landings. Participants; Fifty-seven women (age, 42.4 ± 5.50 y; body mass, 70.2 ± 11.5 kg; height, 165.4 ± 0.10 cm; body fat, 31.5 ± 6.20%) were assigned to a jump (JL) or control (CON) group. The JL performed periodized jumping-landing exercises up to five times per week for 12-months. Linear mixed model regression analysis was used to determine if differences existed between the JL and CON. Significant group main effects (P<0.01) in favour of the JL (↑0.41 - ↑3.72%) were observed for bone mineral density and bone mineral content at the femoral neck, total hip and lumbar spine. Significant group main effects (P<0.01) for cross-sectional area, cortical thickness and section modulus at the femoral narrow neck were also in favour of the JL (↑2.78 - ↑3.84%). For ground contact time, improvements in the JL over the CON between baseline and 12-months were apparent (↑21.9% vs. ↓8.86%) with significant group and time effects (P<0.01) being observed. A longitudinal quantified periodized jumplanding program performed 2-3 mins/day; 4-5 times a week is osteogenically effective in improving bone strength at clinically relevant lower body sites associated with osteoporosis in premenopausal women.