Postmenarcheal adolescent girls performed resistance training (RT) for 26 weeks, which consisted of 4 sets of 13 exercises of varying and progressive intensity performed 3 times weekly on hydraulic resistance machines. Bone mineral was assessed by dual photon absorptiometry. Resistance training resulted in significant increases (pre-post) in biceps curl (21.4%), triceps press (21.5%), knee extension (25.1%), knee flexion (52.8%), and squat press (21.5%) strength. There were no significant differences between RT and control (C) groups initially, and no significant effects of training (pre-post) for total body (TB) or lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral content (BMC) or bone mineral density (BMD). The largest increases in LS bone mineral occurred during the first 13 weeks, and although not significant, the increases in LS BMC (g) (3.9 vs. 5.9%), LS BMC (g.cm-1) (2.6 vs. 5.9%), LS areal BMD (g.cm-2) (1.48 vs. 4.75%), and LS bone mineral apparent density (BMAD, g.cm-3) (0.47 vs. 4.13%) were greater in the RT compared with the C group during this period. In conclusion, resistance training resulted in a trend towards a transient increase in LS bone mineral during the first 13 weeks, but despite significant strength gains, there were no significant changes in TB or LS bone mineral after 26 weeks of training.

The purpose of this study was to revise the Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (OKT) and evaluate its reliability and validity. The original OKT, developed in the early 1990 s, needed updating based on current research. A convenience sample of 105 adults completed the draft revised OKT. A subsample (n = 27) completed the questionnaire 2 weeks later to determine stability. The sample was recruited from diverse sites in western and northern Michigan over a year. The 32-item Revised OKT (2012) demonstrated internal consistency (total scale Kuder-Richardson-20 = .85, Nutrition subscale = .83, and Exercise subscale = .81). Test-retest analysis resulted in a Pearson correlation coefficient of .87. Validity was evaluated by content validity. Questions were examined for difficulty, effectiveness of distracters, and discrimination. In addition, measures of point-biserial, internal consistency and stability were determined. The Revised OKT (2012) is a comprehensive instrument reflecting current research and assesses osteoporosis knowledge of adults.

Overall, the knowledge of these adolescents, who are in a crucial period of their lives for accruing bone mineral, had limited knowledge of the risk factors for osteoporosis, calcium-rich foods and dietary calcium requirements, and the type of exercise needed to maximize their bone mineral density. Nurses can work with children, adolescents, their families, and other professionals in interventions to prevent osteoporosis in later years.

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