Objective: To study the effects of square dance on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methods: Fifty postmenopausal women (aging 45–60) with osteoporosis were randomly assigned to a research group and a control group. The patients in the research group received 600[Formula: see text]mg of calcium combined with square dance (5 times a week, 30 to 60 minutes each time) for 6 months while those in the control group only received 600[Formula: see text]mg of calcium. BMD, changes in bone turnover markers and bone pain were assessed before and after the treatment. Results: (1) After the 6-month treatment, BMD of L[Formula: see text] and the femoral neck significantly increased in the research group ([Formula: see text]). No significant change was observed in BMD of the Ward’s region. BMD in the control group did not change significantly ([Formula: see text]). (2) No significant difference was found in serum levels of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase between the two groups both before and after the treatment ([Formula: see text]). Serum levels of P1NP had a significant increase, while [Formula: see text]-CTX’s level did not change significantly. (3) The bone pain in both groups has been effectively relieved. The pain in the research group was relieved significantly compared to the control group. Conclusions: By improving the BMD and relieving the pain, square dancing can exert positive effects on women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Square dancing may become a feasible strategy for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
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