COIOS
Behavioural science Item refines preprint

High-volume vigorous exercise in mid-life tracks higher fracture risk in UK Biobank

In 322,749 UK Biobank participants aged 40-65, self-reported fracture in the previous five years was more common among those in the highest quintile of leisure-time physical activity, while activity at the level of WHO recommendations showed no such association.

A cross-sectional analysis of 322,749 UK Biobank participants aged 40 to 65 related self-reported leisure-time physical activity to self-reported fracture in the previous five years. Odds of fracture were highest in the top activity quintile among those aged 40 to 49 (odds ratio 1.81 in men, 1.42 in women), with vigorous-intensity activity carrying the strongest independent association. Activity at, but not above, WHO recommended levels showed no association.

Why it is interesting: This associates high-volume vigorous activity with higher, not lower, fracture risk in the top quintile, though the cross-sectional, self-reported design leaves the direction of the association open.

Source
medRxiv, 22 September 2026
DOI
10.64898/2026.07.27.26358989
Type
Preprint
Design
Cross-sectional analysis of 322,749 UK Biobank participants aged 40-65, self-reported activity and fracture in previous five years
Verdict
Refines prior evidence
Driver
Diet, exercise and sleep