Riassunto dello studio

60 middle-aged adults at risk of osteoporosis were randomized into four groups: 24-Style Tai Chi Chuan (n=15), Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan (n=15), Tai Chi Softball (n=15), or a control group with no exercise intervention (n=15). The primary outcome was the rate of change in BMD measured at the L2-L4 lumbar vertebrae, Ward’s triangle, femoral neck, and greater trochanter using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Secondary outcomes included comparisons of the efficacy of each Tai Chi form at different skeletal sites and durations. Outcomes were assessed at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Overall, results indicated significant improvements in BMD across all intervention groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). The 24-Style Tai Chi Chuan group demonstrated the most pronounced improvements in L2-L4 and Ward’s triangle BMD after 8 weeks, while Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan showed better short-term efficacy at the femoral neck. These findings suggest that Tai Chi effectively improves BMD in at-risk populations, with variations in efficacy by type and duration of intervention.