With consistent mechanical loading, what happens to bone mineral density?

With consistent mechanical loading, what happens to bone mineral density?

• A. It decreases
• B. It remains unchanged
• C. It increases
• D. It becomes more porous

Answer: (C)

Bones adapt to the loads they bear. When mechanical loading is consistent, the remodeling response shifts toward bone formation: cells sense the sustained strain and stimulate osteoblast activity to lay down mineral, increasing bone mineral density. This principle, often aligned with Wolff’s Law, explains why weight-bearing and resistance training tend to strengthen bone over time, while disuse leads to loss of density and greater porosity. So, with consistent loading, bone mineral density increases.

Bones adapt to the loads they bear. When mechanical loading is consistent, the remodeling response shifts toward bone formation: cells sense the sustained strain and stimulate osteoblast activity to lay down mineral, increasing bone mineral density. This principle, often aligned with Wolff’s Law, explains why weight-bearing and resistance training tend to strengthen bone over time, while disuse leads to loss of density and greater porosity. So, with consistent loading, bone mineral density increases.