Forearm bone mineral density in adult men after spinal cord injuries: impact of physical activity level, smoking status, body composition, and muscle strength.

Rugby can be considered a sport that has a beneficial effect on forearm BMD. The physically active men after SCI had significantly higher bone parameters. Physical activity itself and in interactions with fat mass, hand grip strength (positive direction), and years of active smoking (negative direction) had a significant effect on bone health in non-paralyzed upper limbs. Active smoking may reduce the protective role of physical activity for bone health.