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Proximity to Green Areas Positively Influences Bone Mineral Density in Early Childhood
A recent prospective study published in JAMA Network Open has identified a significant association between children’s bone health and their proximity to green areas. The research, led by Hanne Sleurs, PhD, from the Universiteit Hasselt in Belgium, sheds light on the positive impact of childhood exposure to green spaces on bone mineral density during critical growth and development periods.
The study, conducted from October 2014 to July 2021, followed 327 participants from birth to 4-6 years, examining correlations between bone health and exposure to green areas. While previous literature highlighted the benefits of green space exposure on various aspects of child development, specific data on bone mineral density implications were limited.
Green spaces were categorized as high (vegetation height > 3 m), low (vegetation height ≤ 3 m), and mixed (combination of both), with distances ranging from a radius of 100 m to 3 km from participants’ residences. Radial bone mineral density assessment was conducted using quantitative ultrasound during follow-up consultations.
The study revealed that participants frequently exposed to high and mixed vegetation areas within a 500 m radius of their homes had significantly higher bone mineral density. Access to larger green spaces with mixed and high vegetation within a 1 km radius was also associated with a lower likelihood of low bone density in children.
“These findings illustrate the positive impact on bone health of early childhood exposure to green areas near their homes during critical growth and development periods, with long-term implications,” noted the researchers.
The results align with a prior study emphasizing factors contributing to families’ frequent park visits, including shorter distances, safety, and park organization, along with the natural diversity and activities offered.
Increased physical activity in green areas was proposed as a potential explanation for improved bone density in children. The mechanical load from exercise in these locations can activate signaling pathways favoring bone development, aligning with existing literature on the positive outcomes of green spaces on physical activities in young populations.
The study authors emphasized the significance of their findings for public health, advocating for urban investments in accessible green spaces as a strategy for preventing fractures and osteoporosis. Such initiatives not only translate to reduced public health expenses but also contribute to the physical and emotional well-being of communities adopting environmental strategies.
