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The Effect of Level and Downhill Running on Cortical and Trabecular Bone in Growing Rats

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Abstract

Mechanical loading is essential for bone development and prevention of age-related bone diseases. Muscular contractions during physical activity and the generated strain magnitude are primary determinants for the osteogenic response. However, the adaptation capacity of bones, especially due to different muscle contraction types, is largely unknown. In the present study we examined the effect of different running modes characterized by different muscle contraction types and loading patterns on the morphological, structural, and mechanical properties of different sites in the femur of growing rats. Thirty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a nonactive age-matched control (AMC), a level running (LEVEL), and a 20° decline downhill running (DOWN) group (n = 12 each). Running groups were trained on a treadmill for 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks. After death, pQCT analysis of the meta- and diaphyses, micro-CT analysis of the epiphysis, and mechanical testing of the femur were performed. The Tb.BMD in the metaphysis was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the DOWN compared to the AMC group, whereas level running had no effect on Tb.BMD. While Young’s modulus was significantly different (P < 0.05) between the DOWN and LEVEL groups, no structural alterations were found in the diaphysis between the groups. Further, subchondral trabecular bone did not show exercise-induced changes caused by the different running modes but displayed a remarkably high intraepiphyseal variability. Downhill running seems to be a potent osteogenic stimulus in the femoral metaphysis.

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Acknowledgements

The study was supported by a grant of the German Sport University Cologne.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopedics, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany

    Nina Hamann, Gert-Peter Brüggemann & Anja Niehoff

  2. b-cube, Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland

    Thomas Kohler

  3. Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Ralph Müller

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  1. Nina Hamann
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  2. Thomas Kohler
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  3. Ralph Müller
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  4. Gert-Peter Brüggemann
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  5. Anja Niehoff
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Correspondence to Anja Niehoff.

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T. Kohler and R. Müller own stock and R. Müller has consultant/advisory role to b-cube AG. All other authors have stated that they have no conflict of interest.

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Hamann, N., Kohler, T., Müller, R. et al. The Effect of Level and Downhill Running on Cortical and Trabecular Bone in Growing Rats. Calcif Tissue Int 90, 429–437 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-012-9593-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-012-9593-6

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