The Balance changes in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis after the application of Tai Chi exercise program

Abstract

Introduction. Osteoporosis is an emerging medical and socioeconomic threat characterised by a systemic impairment of bone mass, strength, and microarchitecture (1), resulting in increased bone fragility and fractures (2). Due to degenerative changes in morphology and structure, the balance function decreases and restricts the walking function or daily activities (3). Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise (4) that has the potential to overcome the impairments associated with frailty (5). Research aim. To evaluate balance changes in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis after application of Tai Chi exercise program. Research methods and organization. Study included 13 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. The average age was 74.2 years (the range of the age was 67 – 81 years), the average height was 158.6 cm, the average weight was 67.1 kg. Tai Chi exercise program lasted for eight weeks. Two, one-hour group training sessions were taught per week. Balance assessment was performed three times: before Tai Chi exercise program, after 4 weeks and after 8 weeks of application of Tai Chi exercise program. Balance measurements were conducted using platform „Sigma Balance Pad". Assessment included the following stages: 1) Calibration of the platform; 2) Information about the procedure and instructions how to act in case of balance loss; 3) Pilot testing of the balance without data recording; 4) Repeated calibration of the platform; 5) Testing of the balance with data recording. Assessment of the balance included two conditions: standing on both legs, eyes opened (60 s) and standing on both legs, eyes closed (30 s). Patient's safety was ensured during whole procedure. Balance evaluation was based on 6 objective indicators: average deviation X (cm), average deviation Y (cm), average velocity X (cm/s), average velocity Y (cm/s), path length (cm), area (cm²). Statistical analysis was conducted usin. [...].