Author: Slanted Flying

As adults age into their older years, their bones become less dense, this is even more true for females over 50 years of age. This can lead to problems such as osteoporosis, and the bones being more prone to breaking, especially if one suffers a fall.

Between the ages of 25 and 50, bone density is relatively stable as the rate of bone formation is equal to the rate of bone breakdown. After age 50, there is typically a greater rate of bone breakdown (known as resorption) than there is of bone formation. This often leads to accelerated bone loss, particularly around the time of menopause for women.

A study found that adult skeletal muscle can benefit greatly from a combination of both muscle strength training and tai chi. This has been shown through multiple CT scans which have revealed that this type of training can lead to an increase in muscle mass and improved bone density. Furthermore, it has also been found that this combination can help to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility.

The study had 182 adults over 60 years of age who had no significant history of doing regular exercise and physical activity. The participants were split into four groups: the Tai Chi group which included 52 people, the student muscle strength group which included 45 people, the student muscle group which combined with Tai Chi group which included 45 people, and 40 people who were included as a control group.

The three other groups trained tai chi (over 4 times weekly), muscle strength training, the muscle training as well as tai chi for a period of 6 months. The Lumbar spine “L1-4” BMD (bone mineral density) as well as the Berg scores were about the same of those for adults before doing exercise and then at 3 month and 6 month periods after the exercise.

Results of this study showed a significant difference in Berg Balance Scale scores and the lumbar spine BMD  between the group who did Tai Chi, and the students before and after exercising combined with the muscle strength training. The difference between the groups was found to be significant.

The combined group that did core muscle strength training with Tai Chi saw higher scores in Berg Balance Scale scores and the lumbar spine BMD after 6 month period, as opposed to 3 months. There was also a positive correlation between CT value of the lumbar vertebral bone calcium and BMD.

There is growing evidence that both combined and single training of the core muscular strength or the practice of Tai Chi can improve the mineral density of the lumbar bone as well as balance function for the elderly. Several studies have shown that these activities can help to increase bone mass, reduce the risk of falls, and improve overall balance and coordination.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35795616/

Check out our other health related articles on Tai Chi

Many people suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is estimated that between 836 thousand and 2.5 million are affected by it in the United States alone, never mind the rest of the world’s population.

There has been a lot of evidence showing that patients who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also called “CFS”, has produced changes in the functional connectivity of the brain at rest. However, there seems to not have been any studies involving the effects on brain network by using Tai Chi Chuan as a therapy for CFS

One of the recognized causes of the symptoms CFS patients deal with is brain dysfunction. The abnormality of the “intrinsic functional connectivity”, also known as “FC”, for the brain’s resting-state networks is foremost one of the brain dysfunctions involved with CFS.

To investigate the effects between the functional networks of the brain with those practicing Tai Chi Chuan of patients who have CFS, a total of 40 individuals, 21 patients suffering from CFS as well as 19 healthy control individuals were trained for one month in the practice of Tai Chi Chuan. None of the participants had practiced Tai Chi Chuan before, and they had no other underlying health conditions.

The study found that the abnormalities between the functional networks of the brain could show improvement after practicing Tai Chi Chuan for one month. These findings would suggest that regular long-term practice of Tai Chi Chuan might promote functional plasticity of the brain networks for patients with CFS. The lessened brain dysfunction due to this may reduce the symptoms for those dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

This is good news as the practice of Tai Chi Chuan has been shown to be beneficial for the physical and mental well-being for most of those who practice the exercise.

You can read the in-depth original study here

Source: Science for ME

Check out our other articles in the Health section of Slanted Flying website!

The benefits of Tai Chi can be obtained whether you are young and fit, old and frail, or anywhere in-between. The wonderful part about learning Tai Chi is that it can be adjusted to accommodate the learners limitations and still follow the main principles of the art which make it so beneficial.

Tai Chi is often recommended to people with arthritis as it is a low-impact exercise that helps people with arthritis improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese exercise that focuses on the mind and body. It’s known for its slow, controlled movements and deep breathing, which has been shown to help reduce chronic pain in patients. In addition to these physical benefits, Tai Chi can also promote relaxation and mental well-being.

While all Tai Chi poses may not be suitable for everyone with arthritis, it is possible to identify appropriate positions if you consult with a qualified instructor. When you are starting a new exercise routine, it’s important that you discuss any limitations or concerns with your physician in order to avoid injury.

Tai Chi is a physical activity that can be done on a regular basis and has been shown to improve physical function for some people. The guidelines recommend that adults 18 and older get at least a few hours of exercise a week, and to use major muscle groups at least twice a week.

Are you dealing with arthritis or other impairments and practice Tai Chi?

Let us know if it has helped you below in the comments!

Source: arthritis.ca