Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of Taichi exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) of postmenopausal women. Methods 105 postmenopausal women were divided into Taichi group (n=54) and control group (n=51). BMD was detected with dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) in both groups. Results The BMD of L1, L2 and shaft of femur were higher in Taichi group than in control group (P<0.05). The BMD of L4, left neck of femur and left wards triangle were significantly higher in the Taichi group than in the control group (P<0.01).The prevalence of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) was lower in the Taichi group (31.48%) than in the control group (39.22%), but there was no significant difference. The BMD of L1, L2 and shaft of femur, left wards triangle and shaft of femur were higher in postmenopausal women excising Taichi more than 5 years (P<0.05). Conclusion Long-term of Taichi exercise may increase the BMD of the postmenopausal women effectively and prevent the development of PMOP.

Key words: Taichi exercise, postmenopausal, women, bone mineral density