Genetics and lifestyle factors are major determinants of bone density and ultimately the risk for developing osteoporosis. Higher bone density was reported in rural vs. urban adolescents. We recently reported high bone density Z scores among female members of the Hutterite Brethren, a religious group living a rural communal lifestyle. We concluded that high levels of physical activity beginning in the teen years in the presence of adequate calcium intake over a lifetime might result in increased bone gain and subsequent above normal adult bone density. However, it is not known whether Hutterites have higher bone density than other populations living similar lifestyles, or whether the higher bone density among older Hutterites is due to a slower rate of later bone loss.
The aim of this study is determine whether a rural lifestyle is conducive to optimizing peak bone mass in young adulthood and minimizing rates of later bone loss, thereby explaining the high bone density among the rural Hutterite population. The proposed aim will be addressed with a three-year longitudinal study of 1,164 men and women aged 20 to 65 years with equal numbers of Hutterites, rural non-Hutterites, and non-rural non- Hutterites. We will obtain yearly bone measurements and quarterly assessments of activity levels and dietary intake. The project will determine whether bone density during young adulthood and the rate of later bone loss, among the Hutterites is similar to other populations, and whether greater activity levels and calcium intake can account for the high bone density observed among the Hutterites. Further understanding of the role of lifestyle factors as determinants of bone density among Hutterites is necessary because they appear to be significantly less susceptible to the development of osteoporosis than the normal U.S. population.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01AR047852-01
Application #
6359111
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-EDC-3 (01))
Program Officer
Mcgowan, Joan A
Project Start
2001-08-01
Project End
2006-07-31
Budget Start
2001-08-01
Budget End
2002-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$304,594
Indirect Cost
Name
South Dakota State University
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
City
Brookings
State
SD
Country
United States
Zip Code
57007
Specker, Bonny L; Wey, Howard E; Binkley, Teresa L et al. (2015) Rural vs. non-rural differences and longitudinal bone changes by DXA and pQCT in men aged 20-66 years: A population-based study. Bone 79:79-87
Weidauer, Lee; Binkley, Teresa; Beare, Tianna et al. (2015) Do Sex Differences Exist in Rates of Falls and Fractures in Hutterite, Rural, and Nonrural Populations, Aged 20 to 66 Years? Clin Orthop Relat Res 473:2514-20
McCormack, L A; Binkley, T L; Specker, B L (2012) Effect of level of farm mechanization early in life on bone later in life. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 12:7-15
Wey, Howard E; Binkley, Teresa L; Beare, Tianna M et al. (2011) Cross-sectional versus longitudinal associations of lean and fat mass with pQCT bone outcomes in children. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 96:106-14
Specker, Bonny L; Wey, Howard E; Binkley, Teresa L et al. (2010) Higher BMC and areal BMD in children and grandchildren of individuals with hip or knee replacement. Bone 46:1000-5
Specker, Bonny L; Wey, Howard E; Smith, Eric P (2010) Rates of bone loss in young adult males. Int J Clin Rheumtol 5:215-228
Grimsrud, Courtney; Binkley, Teresa; Specker, Bonny (2008) The effect of menarcheal age on anthropometric, limb length, and bone measures in Hutterite and non-Hutterite women. Am J Hum Biol 20:693-9
Samra, Haifa Abou; Beare, Tianna; Specker, Bonny (2008) Pedometer readings and self-reported walking distances in a rural Hutterite population. J Rural Health 24:99-100
Osowski, Jane M; Beare, Tianna; Specker, Bonny (2007) Validation of a food frequency questionnaire for assessment of calcium and bone-related nutrient intake in rural populations. J Am Diet Assoc 107:1349-55
Specker, B L; Binkley, T; Vukovich, M et al. (2007) Volumetric bone mineral density and bone size in sleep-deprived individuals. Osteoporos Int 18:93-9

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