The use of Tai Chi for health benefits

Information on Tai Chi as an osteoporosis exercise



Tai Chi as an exercise to prevent osteoporosis (part 2)

Studies on the use of Tai Chi for health benefits by the research community

The use of Tai Chi has increased dramatically in the western world during recent years. Many studies have looked into the health benefits of the mind and body exercise. These therapeutic exercises include investigations into musculoskeletal flexibility and strength; balance; posture; cardio respirational conditions; rheumatism; the immune system; dementia; stress; amongst many others.

Tai Chi helps to maintain balance

With regards to osteoporosis, the use of Tai Chi has been suggested to help maintain balance and to help maintain bone density; these two things alone has led to Tai Chi being recommended to the medical community by the surgeon general in the USA as a way to help osteoporosis sufferers deal with their condition. In a recent review by Wayne et al the association between Tai Chi and the maintenance of bone density in post menopausal women has been investigated. They performed this by taken a look at the literature available of randomised control studies, cross sectional studies and cohort studies that had at least one outcome that measured bone mineral density.

Nature of the report on Osteoporosis and osteopenia and the relationship of Tai Chi

The report first takes a look at the impact of osteoporosis in modern society, and the way that the condition is currently looked after. The fundamental principles of the traditional Chinese Tai Chi exercise/artform is then reviewed; this is done in a way that looks into its use and benefits for women who have a low bone mineral density. The available literature on the links between Tai Chi, bone mineral density and osteoporosis is then investigated before finally a look into the effects that secondary impacts of Tai Chi (such as increased balance) may have on post menopausal women with osteoporosis is investigated.

References
Wolf et al. Intense tai Chi exercise training and fall occurance in older, transitionally frail adults. J. Am Geriatr Soc 2003; 51:1693-701
National Osteoporosis Foundation. America's bone health: the state of osteoporosis and low bone mas in the nation.
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

For more information on the studies into the association of Tai Chi and osteoporosis visit Tai Chi as an exercise to prevent osteoporosis (part 3)




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