Muscle strength, power and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with bone mineral density in men aged 31-60 years.

Background: Osteoporotic fractures represent a growing economical burden to society, not only because of fractures in women, but also because of an increasing number of fractures in men.

Aims: In this cross-sectional study we aimed to investigate the association of muscular and cardio-respiratory fitness with BMD at the spine and hip in men.

Results: The association between independent variables maximal aerobic capacity (VO(2max)), leg power and hand grip strength, and dependent variables BMD at the spine and total hip was explored in a series of linear regression models successively adjusted for age, weight and height, smoking, alcohol intake and leisure time physical activity level.