Introduction:
As we age our bodies bones progressively decline in bone mass that can lead to osteoporosis.
Physical exercise is one of the main approaches for both prevention and management of osteoporosis because exercise plays a key role in maintaining the equilibrium between the growth of bone (osteogenesis) and bone breakdown (resorption).
Tai Chi (Taijiquan) as an exercise has gained substantial popularity among elderly populations.
This article addresses the areas in the body that are affected by a decrease of bone mineral density: lumbar spine, femoral greater trochanter, Ward’s triangle, femoral neck, and calcaneus.
Question(s) Investigated:
- What are the effects of Tai Chi on bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip, lower back and heel among middle-aged and older adults.
- How often does one need to do Tai Chi, for how long, and what age group most benefits from Tai Chi.
What the Investigators did to answer their question(s):
The investigators performed a literature search of several databases and analyzed the results through a meta-analysis. A meta-analysis looks at many other studies that are asking the same question and combines the results to give an even better assessment.
Description of Studies:
- There was a total of 17 randomized controlled trials encompassing 1,253 participants (experimental group: n=675; control group: n=578).
- The experimental group did Tai Chi and the Control Group used conventional treatment or followed routine daily activities.
- Participants: middle-aged (defined as < 60 years) and older adults (≥ 60 years).
- No restrictions on gender or age.
- There were two age-based subgroups: 634 participants aged <60 years and 619 participants aged ≥60 years.
- All interventions exclusively utilized Tai Chi as the exercise modality, with all 17 studies adhering to this protocol
What did they find
- Tai Chi exercise helps improve the bone density of middle-aged and elderly people.
- Tai Chi helps improve the bone conditions of the femoral neck and greater trochanter of the femur in middle- aged and elderly people.
- Tai Chi exercise performed for less than or equal to three times per week or more than three times per week can improve bone mineral density in middle-aged and elderly people, but Tai Chi exercise performed for more than three times per week is more effective.
- Tai chi training is more effective if practiced for more than 6 months.
- Tai chi intervention is more effective for the elderly over 60 years old.
Read More
Read the entire research article by clicking on the link below.
Effect of Tai Chi on Bone Mineral Density in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis 2025.