The Effect of Tai Chi on Bone Mineral Density and Prevention of Osteoporosis
Tai Chi is suggested to have beneficial effects on the musculoskeletal system. The Chinese University of Hong Kong performed a systematic review is to evaluate the evidence of the effect of TCC on bone mineral density (BMD) and its potential for prevention of osteoporosis.
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to January 2017. Randomized controlled studies, case-control trials, prospective cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies which evaluated the effect of Tai Chi on BMD were selected without any subject or language restriction.
Nine articles met the inclusion criteria, including seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one case-control trial (CCT), and one cross-sectional study, encompassing a total of 1222 participants. Five studies showed statistically significant improvements in BMD after Tai Chi exercise, three studies showed nonsignificant intergroup differences, and one study provided no statistical evaluation of results. The studies with nonsignificant results tended to have a shorter total duration of Tai Chi practice. Apart from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), two studies additionally used peripheral quantitative computed tomography (which showed statistically significant positive effects of Tai Chi on preventing osteoporosis.
In conclusion, Tai Chi is beneficial to BMD and may be a cost-effective and preventive measure of osteoporosis. This beneficial effect is better observed in long-term Tai Chi practice.
The beneficial effect of Tai Chi on BMD is suggested to be clinically translated to its potential for early rehabilitation and prevention of secondary osteoporosis in patients after surgical treatment of common osteoporotic fractures. The length of practicing Tai Chi, the form and style of Tai Chi, and the types of patient suitable for Tai Chi are to be investigated in future studies.