title: Simplified Tai Chi Resistance Training versus Traditional Tai Chi in Slowing Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women.
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.
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Huiru
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China.
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China.
authors.forename: Wenhua
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sports, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China.
authors.forename: Yingzhi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.affiliation: School of Chinese Martial Arts, Shanghai University of Sports, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China.
authors.forename: Dinghai
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yu