C. The effect on bone structure, muscles, and joints:
"Taijiquan brings many benefits to the body's bone structure,
muscles, and joints. The spine, for example, becomes the "primary axis of movement" in the middle region, since the practitioner must
not expand their chest and keep their core and spine relaxed." All movements are clearly centered around the core of the body. Regular
practice will undoubtedly ensure that the spine maintains its natural posture and internal structure. In Group A, 25.8% of participants
had a spinal curvature only; the general average for this age group is 47.2%. A curved back, a typical symptom of aging, is considerably
less common in Taijiquan practitioners, but spinal mobility is noticeably greater. 77.4% of Group A participants were able to touch the
floor with their hands while bending forward. Only 16.6% of the other group were able to do this. X-rays revealed that the rate of
age-related osteomalacia (bone softening) was also significantly lower in group A (36.6% versus 63.8%). It is well known that inactivity
of bone cells and lack of bone glue lead to deformation and immobility. The movements in Taijiquan are all gently connected. Every joint
is moved. This slows down the aging process."
(book source: page 7, Taijiquan in 88 Figuren von Victor Wu, CBT China Book
Trading, 1995,
Taschenbuch, 229 pages, ISBN 9622381065)
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