COVID-19 News: Slovakian Study Shows That COVID-19 Pandemic Has Affected The Bone Density Of Young Adults Possibly Due To Lifestyle Changes
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 22, 2023 1 year, 1 month, 16 hours, 4 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: The COVID-19 pandemic, with its widespread health implications, has now been linked to unexpected consequences on bone health in young adults, according to a recent study conducted by Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. The study titled "Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle and bone mineral density in young adults," delves into the intricate relationships between the pandemic, lifestyle changes, and their influence on bone mineral density (BMD) in the radius forearm bone and total bone mineral content (BMC), and is covered in this
COVID-19 News report.
Methodology
The research involved 773 Slovakian young adults aged 18 to 30, stratified based on their pandemic status. Measurements were taken using advanced tools, including the QUS device (Sunlight MiniOmni™) for BMD analysis and the InBody 770 bioimpedance analyzer for BMC and fat mass (FM) measurements. Linear regression analysis was employed to discern associations between variables.
Key Findings
The study uncovered statistically significant decreases in the speed of sound (SOS) along the length of the forearm radius bone, Z-score values, and BMC during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. Notably, male participants exhibited a significant decline in BMC during the pandemic. Regression analysis affirmed the negative impact of the pandemic on SOS, Z-score, and BMC indices.
Furthermore, vitamin D emerged as a crucial predictor for SOS in women, emphasizing its potential role in bone health during the pandemic. In contrast, male BMC predictors included pandemic presence, physical activity, and fat mass percentage, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the relationship between lifestyle factors and bone health.
Implications and Concerns
The study's findings have broader implications for understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bone health. The observed decrease in bone mineral density and total bone mineral content suggests a significant negative influence on both bone quality and overall health in young adults.
Dr Lenka Vorobeľová, the corresponding author, expressed concern over the pandemic-induced bone mineral density decrease, suggesting it as a potential symptom of long COVID syndrome. Dr Darina Falbová, another corresponding author, stressed the need for further research to assess the long-term risks, including osteoporosis and bone fractures, in older populations post-pandemic.
Lifestyle Changes and Bone Health
The study hints at lifestyle changes during the pandemic as potential contributors to the observed decline in bone health. The altered routines, decreased physical activity, and potentially disrupted dietary habits may have collectively played a role in compromising bone mineral density and content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Slovakian study provides valuable insights into the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on bone health in young adults. The observed de
crease in bone mineral density and total bone mineral content underscores the importance of comprehensive strategies to mitigate the potential long-term effects of the pandemic on skeletal health. Further research is warranted to explore the intricate interplay between lifestyle factors, bone health, and the lasting implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals of all ages.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed American Journal of Human Biology. (Wiley)
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajhb.24009
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