Effect of Qigong on Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women

Qian Yue-sheng钱岳晟

Osteoporosis is one of the common diseases in the aged, especially in aged women. Bone mineral content (BMC) decreases with age after the age of 30. About 35%-40% of women suffer from osteoporosis after post menopause. Treatment seems to be difficult because of complex causes. Qigong , as a special non-drug therapy, was used in treating osteoporosis, and the effect was observed.

Methods

Subjects

Fifty subject were observed, adged 50-59(53.2+/- 2.46 years in average), postmenopaus for 1-5 years(2.6-1.21 years in average). Those with hyperthyroidism or diabetes were excluded. The body weight of the subjects is within standard +/- 10%.

Subjects were randomly divided into Qigong group(30 cases) and the control troup(20 cases). They were similar in age and years of postmenopaus (53.4+/-2.6verse 53.0+/-2.3, 2.6+/-1.3 verse 2.6+/-1.0, respectively). Kidney-tonifying Chinese medicine, estrogen and calcium agents were not allowed.

Qigong Exercise

Under the principle of combining activity, tranquilization and static training, fitkeeping exercise and massage were combined organically. The procedures were as follows: (1)Natural Standing Posture: relax the body from the head downward in the right posture and get ready for practice. (2) fit-keeping Exercise: do 3 parts of dynamic exercise to regulate Qi to a state of calm and relxation. (3)Sitting Static Qigong Exercise(2 months later): 15-20 minutes each time. (4) Self-Massage: made up of 6 parts. (5) Fit-keeping Exercise (once again): do 3 parts of dynamic exercise to activate Qi and Blood, to dredge the meridians. (6) Put your hands on Dantian(cinnabar field) and relax, closing the training gradually. Do the above 2 times a day, 25-30 minutes each time. No such treatment was given to the control group. The bone density was assayed before and after 6 months.

Bone Density Measurement

Bone density (BMC/BW) was deduced from bone mineral content and bone width(BW) which were detected at the section of distal 1/3 of right radius by γ-photon absorbing scan (SPA-I bone mineral analysis, made by Chinese Measurement Technique Institute). The measurement should be performed from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Results

The average BMC/BW at the baseline was 0.575+/- 0.059(g/cm²) in the 50 postmenopausal females (0.578+/-0.065 g/cm² for the Qigong group, 0.571+/-0.052 g/cm² for the control, P>0.05). BMC/BW in the Qigong group(n=30) was increased from 0.578+/-0.065 g/cm² to 0.631+/-0.069 g/cm²(P<0.001) after 6 months practice. There was no significant change in the control group (n=20) before and after the 6 months (0.571+/-0.052 g/cm² verse 0.577+/-0.031 g/cm², P>0.05). the values after 6 months were significantly different in Qigong group from that in the control group(P<0.01).

Discussion

The etiology of osteoporosis has not been definitely clarified. Yet the dceficiency of estrogen is considered as a main cause, which has been proved by epidemiological survey and clinical therapy test. Estrogen can regulate the calcium metabolism by its influence on parathormone, calcitonin and vitamine D.Estrogen of postmenopausal females usually decreases at the rate of about 1 percent a year because of hypo-ovaria. Therefore, more attention has been paid to prevention and treatment. Estrogen of physical dosage, artificial calcitonin and fluoride agents are generally used. But long-term applying of estrogen may cause endometrial hyperplasie and increase the risk of breast cancer. Besides, calcitonin is expensive and fluoride agents have side-effects. So non-drug therapy has been noted. It was reported abroad that weight-loaded exercise and long-distance running would prevent the occurrence and developing of osteoporosis. The authors found that Qigong can increase the estrogen level in postmenopausal females and retard aging through physical regulation, mental induction and respiratory adjustment. This study shows that bone density was increased after 6-months of exercise, which suggests Qigong exercise has the function of strengthening bone and body. Qigong is an easy, effective non-drug therapy for osteoporosis. And further research waits to be done.