Physical activity and osteoporotic hip fracture risk in men.

BACKGROUND

Physical activity has been related to reduced risk of osteoporotic hip fractures, but the evidence among men is weak.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between baseline leisure physical activity and future risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in men.

METHODS

At baseline in 1975 our prospective study cohort included 3,262 men who were 44 years or older and did not have chronic disease restricting their ability to exercise. At baseline, physical activity was assessed by a questionnaire. Hip fractures were followed for 21 years, or from the age of 50 years for subjects who were initially younger than 50 years.

RESULTS

The hazard ratio of osteoporotic hip fracture, adjusted for other possible predictors (height, body mass index, baseline diseases, smoking, use of alcohol, work-related physical activity, and occupational group), in men participating in vigorous physical activity compared with men not participating was 0.38 (95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.91) (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

These results provide further evidence that there is an inverse association between baseline physical activity and future hip fracture risk among men.