Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:379451. doi: 10.1155/2015/379451. Epub 2015 Jun 7.

Simplified Tai Chi Resistance Training versus Traditional Tai Chi in Slowing Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women.

Author information

1: Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai 200030, China ; School of Chinese Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sports, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China.
2: Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China.
3: School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sports, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China.
4: School of Chinese Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sports, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study examined whether simplified Tai Chi resistance training is superior to traditional Tai Chi in slowing bone loss in postmenopausal women.

METHODS:

This prospective trial included 119 postmenopausal women (age: 52-65 years). Subjects were randomly assigned to participate in a traditional Tai Chi program (TTC, n = 40), a simplified Tai Chi resistance training program (TCRT, n = 40), or a blank control group (routine activity, n = 39). The TTC involved traditional Yang Style Tai Chi. The primary outcome was the change of lumbar bone mass density (L2-L4) at 12 months over the baseline. Femoral neck and Ward's triangle were also measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS:

The L2-L4 density was significantly lower at 12 months in comparison to the baseline in the blank control group. In both the TCRT and TTC groups, the L2-L4 density was comparable to the baseline. There was a trend for less bone loss in the TCRT than in the TTC group. Similar findings were observed with femoral neck and Ward's triangle.

CONCLUSION:

Simplified Tai Chi resistance training could slow bone loss in menopausal women. The results also suggested, but did not confirm, superiority to traditional Tai Chi.