Grant: Operating Grant: Boy's and Men's Health

It has been suggested that "falls and fracture at any age are no accident" More boys (42-51%) than girls (27-40%) sustain a fracture during the growing years. Despite this sex difference in fracture rates, factors that contribute to fracture in this age group are not well understood. Reasons for higher fracture rate might include children partaking in higher risk activities or having less fear of injury, having higher body fat relative to body weight, falling more often (poor balance) or having more fragile bones. Thus we aim to determine if there are, 1) differences in whether all or some of these factors predict fractures in boys compared with girls and, 2) whether these factors track forward similarly in boys compared with girls as children advance through the growth spurt at puberty. Our project is novel because it integrates factors related to fracture in boys compared with girls - previous research has examined some of these factors in isolation. To address our aims, we will recruit 200 boys (12-14y) and 200 girls (10-12 y)[these ages match the children for maturity]. We will recruit 100 girls and 100 boys who have sustained a fracture within the last 6 weeks. These children will be compared with 100 same age and sex friends who have not sustained a fracture. We will measure children across 4 years of childhood and adolescent growth. We will assess risk behaviours, lifestyle in boys and girls using questionnaires as well as age-appropriate measures of balance (stability). We will use advanced medical imaging to measure fat and muscle mass as well as to characterize bone strength. We have one of only a few instruments world-wide that is able to safely and precisely measure the fine microstructure of bone. Our research team has a strong history of collaborating with key stakeholders (parents, teachers, clinicians) to develop key messages and tools and to move knowledge into programs, practice and policy that benefit children's health.