Researchers at University of Saskatchewan Study Bone Strength in Children

A team of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan is pioneering a groundbreaking study focused on understanding children’s bone strength using an advanced imaging device. This initiative, part of the Canadian Bone Strength Development Study, aims to investigate why some children, particularly those with Type 1 diabetes, exhibit increased fragility in their bones compared to their peers.

The university recently acquired a second-generation high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scanner, funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. This state-of-the-art equipment allows researchers to take detailed images of bone structures, which are crucial for assessing bone strength.

Ali Rezaei, a PhD candidate in the College of Kinesiology, is responsible for operating the scanner during sessions with young participants. “They’re always curious about the machine at first,” Rezaei explained. “Once I explain how it works, they relax, and all they have to do is sit still for about two minutes.” This short scanning process captures intricate images that engineers can then analyze to create digital models of bone strength.

Understanding Bone Development

The research team, including Saija Kontulainen, associate dean of research in the College of Kinesiology, J.D. Johnston from the College of Engineering, and Dr. Munier Nour from the College of Medicine, seeks to unravel the complexities of bone growth. Kontulainen noted, “When we know how bones are growing, we can design interventions to help optimize that.”

Children with Type 1 diabetes are known to be at a higher risk for fractures, but the specific reasons behind this vulnerability remain unclear. By participating in this study, researchers hope to gather significant data that could lead to earlier interventions aimed at improving bone strength and enhancing the long-term quality of life for affected children.

The study is currently in the recruitment phase, searching specifically for participants aged 10 to 11 years for girls and 11 to 12 years for boys. This research represents a significant step towards understanding bone health in children and developing effective strategies for prevention and treatment. With ongoing advancements in imaging technology, the hope is that findings from this study will contribute to vital breakthroughs in pediatric health.