| Objective To investigate the effect of long-term winter swimming on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism in the elderly. Methods A total of 114 elderly people, aging from 55 to 65 years old, were selected and divided into winter swimming group and control group. BUA, SOS, QUI, and BMD values of the calcaneus were determined using the Sahara Clinical Bone Sonometer. The serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), and ALP were determined using MODULAR automatic biochemical analyzer. The content of osteocalcin (BGP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP5b) was determined using S200 type microplate reader. Results The average values of BUA, SOS, QUI, and BMD in the winter swimming group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was significant (P<0.01). The average value of ALP between the groups was significantly different (P<0.05). The significant difference of the average serum levels of Ca, BGP, and TRACP5b between two groups was also observed (P<0.01). Conclusion Winter swimming can improve the bone metabolism and BMD in the elderly men. It has a positive significance to improve the overall health of the elderly. So it is a good exercise for the elderly people. |