Other benefits of Tai Chi in the fight against osteoporosis

People with osteopenia or osteoporosis have an increased risk of bone fractures due to a reduction in their levels of bone mineral density. Many people with osteoporosis may receive fractures from simple stumbles; for instance they may reach out their hands to steady themselves when stumbling and end up breaking their wrists.

One of the advantages of Tai Chi is that it helps with ones balance. There have been numerous studies that have shown that people who take Tai Chi are able to reduce their risks of falling, mainly through better balance and posture. People who take Tai Chi regularly also tend to have better muscoskeletol strength, less fear of falling, better flexibility and are able to carry out everyday activities in a more positive nature.

It can therefore be seen that although there may be a co-realationship between Tai chi and a lowering of the rate of bone loss, merely taking Tai Chi to increase posture and balance will have a major impact upon the lives of people with osteopenia. As these studies have been carried out on older people it strongly suggests that Tai Chi can be safely carried out through out later life.

Reference
Wayne et al. The effects of Tai Chi on Bone Mineral Density in postmenopausal Women: A systematic review. Arch Phys Med rehabil. Vol 88, pp673-680, 2007

Tai Chi part 8

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