Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the tibia: A sensitive tool for the detection of bone changes in growing boys

The purpose of this study was to determine whether growth-related changes i n bone properties can be detected in prepubertal boys using quantitative ul trasound (QUS) and to determine whether resistance training stimulates bone changes, Two groups, each of thirty 9-10 year-old boys, participated in re gular physical education classes or in resistance training, Tibial speed of sound (SOS) (SoundScan 2000, Myriad) was assessed at the beginning of the school year and after 8 months. At baseline, there were no differences betw een groups in tibial SOS, anthropometric measures or pubertal development. At the end of the year, the tibial SOS increased (p<0.001) in both groups t o a similar extent. In addition, there were no differences in the increases in height between the two groups, This indicates that resistance training during the physical education program did not induce changes in bone beyond what would be expected by the mere effect of growing. We conclude that cha nges in tibial SOS, as obtained with QUS, can be detected in groups of prep ubertal boys over a period of 8 months.