The aim of the present study was to assess the association between physical activity practice in adolescence and the prevalence of osteoporosis in adulthood. A population-based study with a randomly-selected sample of 1.016 individuals, aged 50 years or older was carried out. Leisure physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Individuals were defined as active in adolescence (10-19 years) if had been engaged in physical activity for at least six consecutive months. Individuals classified as active in adolescence were 67% less likely to present osteoporosis in adulthood than inactive ones (p/ </ 0.001). This result was still significant after adjustment for confounders (p/ =/ 0.005) and for the mediating effect of adult physical activity (p/ =/ 0.007). In conclusion, physical activity in adolescence reduces the risk of osteoporosis in later life regardless of activity levels in adulthood. Thus, adolescence is a crucial period of life for improvement in bone health.
motor activities; exercise; bone density; aging; adolescent
