Swim laps, build bone

Shape, May, 2005 by Mary Ellen Strote

For the first time, scientists have evidence that swimming can strengthen young women's bones. In a study of female lap swimmers ages 8-26, researchers found that their lower-leg bones had higher mineral content, more elasticity and better internal structure--all factors important for bone strength--compared with the legs of nonswimmers. Lead researcher Bareket Falk, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, says she isn't sure why, but "it may have to do with the high number of pushes from the [pool] wall at each turn or with the pressure of the water on the bone." The study was reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Edited by Kim Acosta