Flores LE, Nelson S, Waltman N, et al. - In post-menopausal women, a decline in bone structure and a higher tendency towards experiencing fracture have been observed. Improvement in bone structure of the tibia occurs with undertaking increased habitual activity. Physical activity (PA) and lean mass preservation are identified as valuable for maintaining bone structure in the years following menopause.

• A total of 276 post-menopausal women with low bone mass who were enrolled in the Heartland Osteoporosis Prevention Study were assessed.

• Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the tibia were used to determine body composition and bone structure measures.

• The Human Activity Profile questionnaire was used to determine habitual PA.

• There appeared a significant positive effect of habitual PA on bone area and strength measures at the 66% site, and trend effects at the 4% site.

• A significant positive effect of lean mass was observed on area and strength at the 66% site and 4% site.