The BONES Project: Building Healthy Bones in Children

Osteoporosis is a serious public health concern expected to threaten 52 million Americans by the year 2010. This debilitating disease comes at an annual cost of $17 billion. By optimizing bone development during the growing years, individuals can lower their risk of osteoporosis by building an adequate reserve of bone. This study will implement and evaluate an after-school program with exercise, education, and diet components designed to improve bone quality and muscle strength in early elementary school children.

First and second grade children from 84 after school programs in 33 diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island will be enrolled in the study. After-school programs will be randomized to either the BONES Project, to the BONES Project plus a parent/caregiver component, or to a no-intervention control group. The BONES curriculum will be implemented 4 days per week over a 20- to 25-week period; each after-school program will implement the program for 2 years. Participants will be followed for an additional year, assuming they remain in the after-school program or do not withdraw for some other reason. All parents will be asked to complete a Child Medical History survey and a Parent Health Survey at baseline, during the 2-year intervention, and at the end of the follow-up year. Parents in the BONES Project plus parent/caregiver component will receive a newsletter and worksheet 5 times per year.

Participants will be assessed by quantitative ultrasound, height, weight, and body composition measurements, muscular strength, self competence, physical activity level, food knowledge and preference, calcium intake, perceived parental support, and sleep habits.