What is Tae-do?

A special exercise program that uses some of the principles of the Korean martial art of taekwondo, along with the latest scientific experiences and knowledge about the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. It is a kind of combination of classical gymnastics for osteoporosis and elements of taekwondo forms, which are based on the performance of consciously controlled movements with energy-directed muscle contraction during each specific movement. The name “Tae do” comes from a word from the Korean language. “Tae” means foot movement, or movement, and “do” means a way, and in the figurative sense “tae do” means an active attitude towards something, towards a disease.

Basic principles on which Tae-do is based

Tae do exercises cause intermittent muscle contractions, which achieves an alternating effect of force on the bone, which represents an important stimulus for bone remodeling. Namely, since the muscles have their grips on the bones, the train and pressure forces that are transmitted to the bones with each muscle contraction stimulate bone building by transmitting “information to the bones” that they should be “strengthened” in that place.

The exercises are designed to activate almost all the muscles of the body, which stimulates the process of bone remodeling and strengthening the quality of the entire skeleton.

The movements of the exercises are also controlled, which avoids joint and muscle injuries that can occur during sudden movements in people with weaker muscle mass and those who already have degenerative-deforming changes in the skeleton or some other disease.

Tae do exercises form a connected and logical system that is easy to remember, which is motivating, interesting and simple so that it can be quickly learned and carried out independently at home.

What are the advantages of Tae do over classical exercise?

The basic principle on which the martial arts rely on, created as part of the cultural heritage of the “Far East”, is how to use the energy of the mind and body in the most rational way in performing movements. Although the ultimate goal of such skills is to prepare for a fight with a potential opponent, training techniques based on this principle have a much wider meaning, as they basically represent a way of establishing the balance of “spirit and body”, enabling the exerciser to move optimally in space. These exercises work on the entire system of movement, starting from the brain, where the “order” for a specific movement is created, through the nerve pathways that transmit this stimulus to the muscles as executive organs for performing movements.

Tae do affects not only the musculature, but also reflexes, balance and reaction speed in movement, which is an important for preventing possible falls which are particularly dangerous for patients with osteoporosis, since even minor falls can lead to severe fractures .