Effects of different exercise methods at the same intensity on bone mineral density of lumbar vertebrae and proximal femur in elderly women

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different exercise methods with the same exercise cycle and exercise frequency on bone mineral density (BMD) in the elderly. METHODS: The study included an experimental group (70 minutes per episode, four times per week, for 48 weeks, of tai chi, fast walking, or square dancing exercise, respectively) and an age-, height-, and weight-matched control group. RESULTS: At the end of the 48-week course of exercise, the BMD of the L2-4 lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck in the tai chi group increased by 7.8% and 7.5%, respectively (P<0.01). In comparing the exercise and control groups, the BMD of the L2-4 lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck in the tai chi group was 9.0% and 8.9% higher than in the control group, respectively (P<0.01). The BMD of the L2-4 lumbar vertebrae in the tai chi group was 6.6% larger than in the square dancing group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Forty-eight weeks of tai chi practice increased BMD of the L2-4 lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck in elderly women. Fast walking and square dancing had no significant effect on bone density.