Participants needed for green tea and Tai Chi research study

An estimated 10 million Americans older than 50 have osteoporosis while another 34 million have osteopenia, or low bone mass, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Bone disease can cause a person to develop fractures, often leading to a downward spiral in physical health and quality of life. Although men and women of all ages and ethnicities can be diagnosed with bone disease, post-menopausal women are at a greater risk.

Professor Chwan-Li (Leslie) Shen, Ph.D., in the Department of Pathology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, has begun, “Green Tea and Tai Chi for Bone Health: A Research Study,”  to develop a non-pharmacological strategy to reduce the risk of bone fracture in post-menopausal women with low bone mass.

“Studies have shown that tai chi may benefit bone health,” Shen said. “This is the first study to investigate if green tea supplements and tai chi exercise combined would provide greater synergistic benefit to bone health.”

Shen’s project is funded by National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Green tea is a strong antioxidant that has possible health benefits related to cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and bone health.

“Tai chi is a low-impact form of exercise that utilizes gentle, smooth, flowing movements,” Shen said. “People who are involved in tai chi may find a decrease in their risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stress and may develop a stronger immune system, improved bone health and better balance.”

Women, two years or more post-menopause and with low (or below normal) bone mass, are needed to participate in the research study. Participants will receive green tea capsules and/or attend one-hour tai chi exercise classes, three times a week for six months.

Potential participants in the green tea and tai chi study are required to attend an information session. To register for pre-screening, call Susan Doctolero at (806) 743-4222, extension 310.

Story produced by the Office of Communications and Marketing, (806) 743-2143

Green tea, a strong natural antioxidant, has been known to help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and increase bone health.