Background.  Osteoporosis  is  an  emerging  medical  and  socioeconomic  threat  characterized  by  a  systemic impairment of bone mass, strength, and microarchitecture. Due to degenerative changes in morphology and structure, the amount of bone fragility and fractures increases affecting balance function. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese mind- body exercise that has the potential to overcome the impairments associated with frailty. Methods. The study involved 13 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. All subjects participated in Tai Chi exercise program which lasted for eight weeks. Two, one-hour group training sessions were taught per week. Balance assessment was performed three times: before Tai Chi exercise program, after four weeks and after eight weeks of the application of Tai Chi exercise program. Balance measurements were conducted using platform “Sigma Balance Pad” and BESS test. Results. Research findings of “Sigma Balance Pa” showed statistically significant changes ( p < .05) in eyes opened condition while in eyes closed condition no significant changes were observed (p ≥ .05). Results of BESS test revealed statistically significant improvement of static balance after Tai Chi exercise program (p = .033). Conclusions.  Research  results  demonstrated  balance  improvement:  body  sway  and  center  of  pressure displacement speed decreased after Tai Chi exercise program. Further future research of reliability and validity of the BESS in subjects with osteoporosis should be considered.

Objectives. To evaluate quality of life changes in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis after application of Tai Chi exercise program. Material and methods. 13 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis participated in the study which included application of Tai Chi exercise program for eight weeks. Two, one-hour group training sessions were taught per week. Quality of life was assessed two times: before and after eight weeks of Tai Chi program. Quality of life measurements were conducted using SF-36 questionnaire. Results. Research data showed statistically significant changes (p&amp;lt;.05) in three of eight SF-36 fields after application of Tai Chi exercise program: bodily pain, general health perception and emotional role functioning while no significant changes were observed in other five fields (p≥ .05). Conclusions. Obtained results showed positive changes in Physical and Mental component areas. However, further future research is still needed to find out how Tai Chi program would affect other fields of the life.