Impacts of aquatic Taiji exercises on bone mineral density for postmenopausal women

• Published in: Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education and Sport/Science, Movement and Health Vol. 14; no. 2; p. 510
• Main Author: Minati, Nazik Kadhim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ovidius University of Constanta 01.06.2014
• Subjects: Aquatic exercises; Bones; Density; Health aspects; Physiological aspects; Physiological research; Postmenopausal women
• ISSN: 2285-777X

Purpose. Aquatic Taiji is described as a form of meditation in movement and involves gentle and fluid exercises that focus on the inherent flow of the limbs, arteries and muscles, opening up the meridians of chi so that chi can circulate freely throughout the body. It aims to reduce stress and still the mind, bringing balance, health and rejuvenation. The exercises can be practiced on land or in water and assist with weight loss, stimulate the metabolism, increases energy, improves the skin, massages and tones the muscles and joints, free up and deepen breathing, improves the posture, and develop intuition and insight. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic Taiji exercises on bone mineral density among Postmenopausal women. Methods. The sample consisted of 20 female (54 ± 5.36 years old; 162 ± 5.03 cm height; and 75 ± 7.30 kg weight), from Kurdistan Iraq. Subjects were required to read and complete a health questionnaire and informed consent document; there was no history of coronary heart disease, diabetes or recent surgery. Results. The major findings from this study were the significant Increases in bone mineral density (hip and backbone) measurements, balance and flexibility in the experimental group, which proved the aquatic Taiji exercises efficacy. Conclusions. The aquatic Taiji exercises improved the balance, flexibility and bone mineral density for hip and backbone but no change in the strength for the sample. Key words: Aquatic Taiji, Flexibility, Bone Mineral Density, Balance.