Exercise can stimulate adaptation in bone mass, geometry and architecture, that may affect risk of stress fracture and future osteoporosis. A variety of imaging approaches can be used to study such changes. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has long been used to assess bone mineral density of sites relevant to osteoporosis risk. It also allows estimation of some structural parameters, and detection of some localised adaptation, e.g.  in the lumbar spine contralateral to the bowling arm in fast bowlers. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) provides 3D imaging that allows discrimination of cortical and trabecular compartments. QCT data can be used with statistical mapping approaches to localise adaptations and finite element models that combine density and location of bone to estimate strength related parameters. High resolution peripheral QCT allows assessment of changes in bone microarchitecture. The presentation will review these methods and their applications in studies of unilateral loading to demonstrate localised adaptations that may have important effects on bone dimensions and strength.