Research Project Summary
Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease with a significant economic burden in the U.S. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, high-impact activities (i.e., plyometrics, gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, and resistance training) are recommended to promote peak bone mineral accrual during growth. These activities appear to be most effective in maximizing peak bone mass in early life and preventing osteoporosis in later life. The central goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of community-based bone health intervention with direct parental involvement that incorporates the behaviors of bone-specific physical activity and calcium intake.
Research Project Goals
The proposed community based controlled study will provide:
(1) key data on the Hispanic community that, as far as our team can tell, does not have any specific research done on bone-health in Hispanic children and
(2) data on feasibility of recruitment and retention goals.
Research Project Objectives
The Bridgeton PAL partnership, together with teams from Rowan and Rutgers, will be the catalyst to obtain the necessary research and data for an evidence-based, replicable model for proactive community-based bone health programs and parental involvement in Hispanic/Latino children and youth to benefit South Jersey and beyond.