We all associate broken bones with sporting injuries, but a new revelation states that playing sports instead lessens the threat of broken bones.
The study conducted on a group of 2000 middle-aged men between 49-51 for 35 years by researchers in Sweden found that those who were most active throughout their lives and participated in sports at least three hours a week, were least likely to suffer broken hips or other broken bones. On the contrary, those who lived a comparatively sedentary life were two and a half times more likely to suffer a broken hip.
During the entire study the men were asked a few questions like their exercise habits and how much time they spent on leisure activities. The entire group was divided into three categories, on the basis of their physical activity level, that is, Sedentary, little or no physical activity; Moderate activity comprising those who occasionally walked or cycled for pleasure and last category included those who participated in sports for at least three hours per week formed the active group.
By the end of the study, the results showed that 482 men had at least one broken bone and 134 broke a hip. Sedentary men outscored the rest with 21% of them with broken their hip in comparison with 13% moderately active and 8% of those who were active.
The study published in PLoS Medicine, believes that nearly 1/3rd of hip fractures among older men could be prevented if men participated in sports activities regularly.
The researchers also pointed that earlier studies relate exercise to lower risk of hip fracture in women. But this research advocates that men’s bones may also profit from daily physical activity.
Physical exercises have manifold uses. Right from taking care of your body metabolism to mental fitness, from preventing diseases to avoiding break up of bones.
So what are you thinking? Start exercising!
Image
Via: WebMD