Tai Chi improves arthritic symptoms, balance and physical functioning in older women with osteoarthritis.

Seventy-two older women with osteoarthritis were assigned either to a 12-week Sun style tai chi program designed for people with arthritis or a control group. 22 individuals in the tai chi group and 21 in the control group completed both pre and post test measurements.

Based on the results the researchers concluded that older women with osteoarthritis were able to safely perform the tai chi program and that women in the tai chi group had significantly reduced pain, and improved physical function, balance and abdominal strength compared to women in the control group.

Abstract