Change in levels of the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen, the carboxyterminal cross‐linked telopeptide of type I collagen and osteocalcin in response to exercise in well‐trained men and women

Physical exercise preserves bone mass. Measurements of bone biomarkers may reflect the events in bone during exercise. Fifteen healthy, well‐trained individuals (7 men and 8 women) performed a running test for 21 min until exhaustion. Venous blood samples were drawn before and 30 min after the exercise to measure the levels of osteocalcin, the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and the carboxyterminal cross‐linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP). After exercise, the women had a marked increase in serum osteocalcin concentrations (from 7.5±5.0 μg/1 to 11.5±3.0 μg/1), whereas the level was unaffected in the men (from 14.5±3.0 μg/1 to 13.5±4.6 μg/l). In the men there was a marked increase in PICP (from 240±47 μg/1 to 268±56 μg/1) that was not seen in the women (from 244±70 μg/1 to 253±60 μg/1). In neither group did ICTP levels change. In conclusion, significant responses were seen in PICP and osteocalcin during exercise, indicating that such measurements may be valuable for the further delineation of the effects of physical activity on bone. Furthermore, the different responses in men and women point to interesting areas for future studies.