Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of a Qigong exercise program on the muscle strength and postural control in middle-aged and older postmenopausal women. This is a randomized clinical trial (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03989453) conducted on 125 women who were initially assigned to either an experimental group (n = 63) that performed a Qigong exercise program for 12 weeks or to a control group (n = 62) that did not receive any intervention. Muscle strength (dynamometer) and postural control (stabilometric platform) were evaluated before and immediately after an intervention period. The main findings of this study suggest that the women in the experimental group had improvements in muscle strength, mean velocity of the displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) with both eyes open and closed, and the surface sway area covered by the CoP, as well as the mediolateral and anteroposterior oscillations of the CoP, only with eyes open. The results of the present study determined that a 12 week Qigong exercise program has beneficial effects on muscle strength and postural control of middle-aged and older postmenopausal Spanish women.
Highlights
With aging, bone mineral density, muscle mass and strength gradually decrease and the menopause onset accelerates this process [1]
Sarcopenia has long been associated with older people, but its development is recognized to begin earlier in life, and, in order to prevent or delay its appearance, strategies should focus on middle age people [2, 3]
Regardless of weight variations, menopause has been shown to be associated with significant changes in body composition that can affect physical function, including muscle strength, which is essential for the successful performance of activities of daily living [24]
Summary
Bone mineral density, muscle mass and strength gradually decrease and the menopause onset accelerates this process [1]. Qigong for Strength and Posture and reduced postural control through increased pressure velocity and center of oscillation [5]. The result of this postural instability and loss of muscle strength can lead to a decrease in physical function [6]. All these factors can lead to an increase in the risk of fall and fall-related injuries, which is a major health problem for older people, especially women, due to the menopauserelated osteoporosis
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