Bone Tissue Responsiveness To Mechanical Loading-Possible Long-Term Implications of Swimming on Bone Health and Bone Development.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To revisit the bone tissue mechanotransduction mechanisms behind the bone tissue response to mechanical loading and, within this context, explore the possible negative influence of regular swimming practice on bone health, particularly during the growth and development period.

Recent findings: Bone is a dynamic tissue, responsive to mechanical loading and unloading, being these adaptative responses more intense during the growth and development period. Cross-sectional studies usually report a lower bone mass in swimmers compared to athletes engaged in weigh-bearing sports. However, studies with animal models show contradictory findings about the effect of swimming on bone health, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies. Due to its microgravity characteristics, swimming seems to impair bone mass, but mostly at the lower limbs. It is unkown if there is a causal relationship between swimming and low BMD or if other confounding factors, such as a natural selection whithin the sport, are the cause.