Mechanical Loading and Bone

This research topic is focused on recent advances in our understanding of effects of mechanical loading on the skeleton, encompassing the full spectrum of laboratory and clinical research. Though it is well established that mechanical loading provides an essential stimulus for skeletal growth and maintenance, there have been major advances recently in terms of our understanding of the molecular pathways involved, which are thought to provide novel drug targets for treating osteoporosis. There has also been a wealth of clinical and epidemiological studies of late, examining the contribution of physical activity and/or muscle function to skeletal development in childhood, and in the maintenance of skeletal integrity throughout the remainder of the lifecourse. These include studies evaluating effects of exercise interventions, intended to reduce the impact of osteoporosis by lessening age-related deterioration in bone structure.

We welcomecontributions of different types of articles including original research articles, hypotheses and theory, and reviews and mini reviews (see http://www.frontiersin.org/Bone_Research/articletype). High profile contributors to date include Prof Jo Price (Experimental models for evaluating effects of mechanical strain on bone), Prof Joern Rittweger (Contribution of age related changes in muscle to bone loss in the elderly), Prof Harri Sievanen (Effects of high impact exercise interventions on the skeleton), and Prof Jon Tobias (Understanding relationships between physical activity and bone traits: may the force be with you).