Peak bone mass development in U.S. females with varied physical activity patterns: a longitudinal view using three maturational clocks
Authors' conclusion
On average, females reached PBM by CHRONage 19 years, 6 years post-menarche, or 7 years post-PHV.
Study context
- Population
- Young US females with heterogeneous musculoskeletal loading (physical activity) patterns, known menarche dates and ≥ 3 serial DXA measures, CHRONage 8–25 years
- Participants
- 137 females1,343 scans
- Outcome
- Ages at peak velocity of WBBMC accrual (PKVBMC) and at PBM (WBBMC gain < 3% to < 1%) on chronological, gynecological and PHV-centred clocks
Methodological detailsSuper-imposition by translation and rotation (SITAR) growth curve modelling, three maturational clocks, whole-body bone mineral content (WBBMC) measured annually by DXA, with semi-annual stature measurements
- SITAR growth curve modelling
- Three maturational clocks
- WBBMC measured annually by DXA, with semi-annual stature measurements
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- CHRONage: PKVBMC (years)
- 13.0
- CHRONage: Peak bone mass (PBM) (years)
- 17-19
- GYNage: PKVBMC
- 0.0
- GYNage: PBM
- +4 to +6
- PHVage: PKVBMC
- +1.1
- PHVage: PBM
- +5 to +7
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Mean ages at PHV and menarche
- Mean age at PHV (years)
- 11.9 (SD 0.9)
- Mean age at menarche (years)
- 13.2 (SD 1.3)
Age at peak velocity of WBBMC accrual (PKVBMC), by clock
- CHRONage PKVBMC (years)
- 13.0
- GYNage PKVBMC (years)
- 0.0
- PHVage PKVBMC (years)
- +1.1
Original publication
Peak bone mass development in U.S. females with varied physical activity patterns: a longitudinal view using three maturational clocks. Osteoporos Int. Published 24 August 2026. doi:10.
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