Dr. Wittstein Highlights Benefits of Load-Bearing Exercise

In the Washington Post article titled "What happens to your body when you jump", Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University, offers valuable insights into the role of impact training in bone health.

She acknowledges that while the gains in bone mineral density from jumping exercises may seem modest — such as a 1% increase over several months — they are meaningful because they counteract the natural decline in bone strength that occurs with aging. Wittstein emphasizes:

“Any intervention that slows that loss or mitigates it is better than nothing,” she said, adding that “any load-bearing activity on your legs is better than being sedentary.”

She also highlights the importance of clear, actionable guidance for patients, noting:

“People just want clear instructions and actionable things they can do for their health.”

Dr. Wittstein even shared a drop-jump demonstration video on Instagram, which has garnered over 900,000 views, showcasing her commitment to public education and engagement around bone health.

Read more – Teddy Amenabar, The Washington Post.

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