Certified Strength And Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Exercise Science Practice Test

What is the primary mechanism by which load-bearing exercise improves bone mineral density?

Remodeling responds to mechanical strain. Increased bone resorption without gains. Bone density improves solely due to calcium supplementation. Bone formation occurs independent of mechanical stress.

Correct Answer:

Remodeling responds to mechanical strain.

Explanation:

Load-bearing exercise creates mechanical strain in bone, and bone responds to that strain by remodeling to become stronger where the stress is greatest. Osteocytes sense the strain and send signals that favor bone formation by osteoblasts, tilting the balance toward new bone mineral deposition and a denser, stronger structure over time. This adaptation aligns with Wolff’s law, which states bone grows and remodels in response to the forces placed on it. Calcium intake helps support bone health, but without the mechanical stimulus, the remodeling response necessary to increase density is limited. So the primary mechanism is the strain-induced remodeling that promotes bone formation in stressed areas.

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