Tai Chi and Osteoporosis
Question :
Can Tai Chi as an exercise prevent osteoporosis compared to high impact exercise?
Answer :
Tai Chi is superior compared to a sedentary lifestyle but it is not the most effective exercise to prevent osteoporosis.
Summary :
1. This is a review article that included 5 randomized clinical trials and 2 controlled clinical trials.
Although one randomized clinical trial found Tai Chi superior for the loss of bone mineral density compared to a sedentary lifestyle, the meta-analysis showed that Tai Chi did not have a significant effect on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
2. There is an inverse relationship between physical activity and the risk of hip fracture. Exercises such as Tai Chi may be less effective in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures.
References :
1. Tai chi for osteoporosis: a systematic review.
Osteoporosis international. 2008 Feb.
2. The role of physical activity in the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women-An update.
Maturitas. 2009 Apr 6.
