Osteoporosis and Bone Biology
Osteoporosis Among Women and Girls with Mobility Impairments
(Inv: Turk (PM&R), Spadaro). This is a cross-sectional study to examine bone density among people who have a variety of physical disabilities leading to mobility impairment. Many are wheelchair bound or cannot walk without assistance. The study aims at recruiting 200 women age 10-45 years from the community and will compare bone density measured by DXA at several sites to factors such as functional activity, dietary history and medical condition. (Centers for Disease Control).
Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Bone Cell Signaling in Vitro and in Vivo
(Inv: Spadaro, Allen). The mechanism of electrical field interaction with bone cells is still unclear and the effects can vary with conditions. The purpose of this research is to determine if osteoblast/osteoclast signaling, and particularly the OPG/RANK-L mechanism can be manipulated with such fields which are conveniently applied using non-invasive pulsing magnetic fields (PEMFs). In vivo models have already shown effects of PEMFs on calcium uptake in calvarial bone which may result from effects, directly or indirectly on osteoclasts.
Activity Level and Bone Density in Young Gymnasts
(Inv: T. Scerpella): Accrual of bone mass while young may depend on the type and amount of exercise. This is being studied in cohorts of young students involved in gymnastics using bone densitometry (DXA) with control for diet and other factors. (Funded by the Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation)
