Influence of Outdoor Physical Activity on Vitamin D Levels and Bone Health in School-Age Children

Abstract

Outdoor physical activity plays a vital role in the growth and development of school-age children, particularly in maintaining optimal vitamin D levels and promoting bone health. This study investigates the relationship between outdoor physical activity, serum vitamin D concentrations, and bone mineral density (BMD) among children aged 6 to 12 years. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 300 participants from various schools, where physical activity levels, sun exposure duration, dietary intake, and anthropometric data were assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were used to evaluate BMD. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between time spent in outdoor activities and serum vitamin D levels, with higher activity levels associated with improved BMD scores. Seasonal variation also influenced vitamin D synthesis, emphasizing the need for year-round outdoor exposure. The results underscore the importance of encouraging regular outdoor physical activity in school-age children as a natural and effective strategy to enhance vitamin D status and support healthy bone development, potentially reducing the risk of future musculoskeletal disorders.