How does physical activity and body composition effect the risk of fracture in adults aged 30-60? (360G-Wellcome-316291_Z_24_Z)

Fractures are a major public health concern with 178 million new fractures worldwide annually, and 455 million persistent health problems because of fracture. Research into fracture risk to date has primarily focussed on childhood, adolescence, and the elderly. This project addresses the lack of population level data around fracture risk in mid-life. The relationship between Physical Activity (PA), obesity, bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture is not clearly understood with differing effects on site specific fracture risk at different ages. Adults in mid-life have unique physical activity habits and body composition. Research into fracture risk in this age group will provide insight into trajectories of risk for PA and BMD, and whether there are other causes of fracture unique to this age group. A better understanding of causal mechanisms of fracture in mid-life may allow early identification of those at risk of future fracture. I will use longitudinal cohort data, including the UK Biobank and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, to study patterns and trajectories of fracture and the relationship with physical activity, obesity, and bone density in midlife. Using genetically-informed approaches to better understand the complex relationships between physical activity, body composition and fracture.