Some evidence suggests that physical activity programs might promote short-term weight gain and bone mineralization in preterm infants .
Current evidence does not support the routine use of physical activity programs in preterm infants .
BACKGROUND Lack of physical stimulation may contribute to metabolic bone disease of preterm infants , result ing in poor bone mineralization and growth .
Physical activity programs combined with adequate nutrition might help to promote bone mineralization and growth .
OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to assess whether physical activity programs in preterm infants  improve bone mineralization and growth and reduce the risk of fracture .
Subgroup analysis : • Given that the smallest infants are most vulnerable for developing osteopenia ( Bishop 1999 ) , a subgroup analysis was planned for infants with birth weight < 1000 g.•  Calcium and phosphorus intake may affect an infant 's ability to increase bone mineral content ( Kuschel 2004 ) .
Role of physical activity in the development of skeletal mass in children.
A group of 118 children , aged 5.3 - 14 years , were enrolled in a prospect i ve study of calcium supplementation and bone mass . At entry to the study , question naires regarding the child 's usual physical activity were administered to the children and their mothers . Repeated activity assessment s at 6 month intervals indicated good within-person agreement for total activity and for most individual activities . Consistent positive associations were observed between bone mineral densities ( BMD ) in the radius , spine , and hip and most activities . A summary measure ( total hours of weight-bearing activity ) was significantly related to BMD in the radius and hip , independently of age or gender effects . Self-reported sports and play activities were associated with BMD , but neither time spent watching television nor hours of physical education classes were associated either positively or negatively with skeletal mass . These data suggest that important increments in skeletal mass may result from physical activity during childhood
Some evidence suggests that physical activity programs might promote short-term weight gain and bone mineralization in preterm infants .
Current evidence does not support the routine use of physical activity programs in preterm infants .
BACKGROUND Lack of physical stimulation may contribute to metabolic bone disease of preterm infants , result ing in poor bone mineralization and growth .
Physical activity programs combined with adequate nutrition might help to promote bone mineralization and growth .
OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to assess whether physical activity programs in preterm infants  improve bone mineralization and growth and reduce the risk of fracture .
Subgroup analysis : • Given that the smallest infants are most vulnerable for developing osteopenia ( Bishop 1999 ) , a subgroup analysis was planned for infants with birth weight < 1000 g.•  Calcium and phosphorus intake may affect an infant 's ability to increase bone mineral content ( Kuschel 2004 ) .