Tai Chi Research » physical function

Study finds decreased knee pain and stiffness and improved physical function in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

David Bendall — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:34:51 +0000

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tai chi in elderly subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Forty-one elderly adults with knee osteoarthritis were assigned either to a tai chi program, which consisted of 6 weeks of 40-minute group tai chi sessions, 3 times per week, followed by six weeks of home-based tai chi training, followed by 6 weeks in which they were asked to discontinue tai chi training, or transfer to a control group to attend six weeks of health lectures following the same schedule as the tai chi group, followed by 12 weeks of no activity.

Knee pain measured by visual analogue scale and range of motion and physical function measured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were recorded at baseline and every three weeks throughout the 18-week study.

After 12 weeks the tai chi group showed significant improvements in overall knee pain, maximum knee pain and the WOMAC subscales of physical function and stiffness compared to baseline, while no significant changes in any outcome was observed in the control group. All improvements in the tai chi group disappeared after the 6-week detraining period.

Abstract

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

David Bendall — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:59:20 +0000

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

Tai Chi found efficacious for the treatment of pain and physical impairment in people with severe knee osteoarthritis.

David Bendall — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:11:42 +0000

In October 2008 researchers from Tufts Medical Center in Boston presented results to the American College of Rheumatology on a clinical study which concluded that “tai chi is efficacious for the treatment of pain and physical impairment in people with severe knee osteoarthritis.”

In the study forty people who suffered from severe knee osteoarthritis for over a decade were divided into two groups: one performed conventional stretching exercises; the other group practiced tai chi twice a week for one hour. After 12 weeks, the tai chi group showed significant reductions in pain and depression and significant improvements in physical function and proprioception.

Head researcher Chenchen Wang, commented that “tai chi mind-body exercise appears to provide an important approach for self-care and self-management for knee OA.” He called for larger studies to confirm the results of the study.

Link

Benefits of Tai Chi or Hydrotherapy for People With Osteoarthritis of the Hip(s) or Knee(s)

Clinical Trials — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 04:40:32 +0000

Here is a study that show the benefits of Tai Chi for those with Oseoarthritis of the Knee(s) or Hip(s). "A single blinded randomized controlled clinical trial with 3 allocation groups:- Tai Chi: maximum 15 people per group twice weekly 12 weeks.- Hydrotherapy: maximum 15 people per group twice weekly 12 weeks.- Control: 12 weeks waiting time prior to ..." The conclusion of the study: "Access to either hydrotherapy or Tai Chi classes can provide large and sustained improvements in physical function for many older, sedentary individuals with chronic hip or knee OA." For the tai chi research findings click here...