Practicing the controlled movements and deep breathing of Tai Chi may reduce arthritis pain and related disabilities.
Practicing the controlled movements and deep breathing of Tai Chi may reduce arthritis pain and related disabilities.
Tai Chi, an exercise form that originated in China, involves gentle, gliding motions that can be performed regardless of physical ability.
To determine whether Tai Chi improves pain, disability, physical performance, and health-related quality of life in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, researchers from Australia reviewed studies of Tai Chi involving a total of about 300 subjects with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers reviewed five studies that assessed Tai Chi effects among people with osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, lower back, and ankle, one study that involved those with rheumatoid arthritis and one study involving people with tension headaches. Study participants, generally 60 years of age and older, participated in group Tai Chi sessions of 40 to 60 minutes once or twice a week, and were often encouraged to practice Tai Chi movements at home.
It was found that Tai Chi reduced pain-related disability associated with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of chairs, and completing household, shopping, and leisure activities.
On comparison of pain and pain-related disability measures before and after the participants completed the Tai Chi programmes, the pooled data showed 10-points reduction, on 100-point scale, in both measures. Moreover, the review showed improved mood and tension levels associated with Tai Chi.
The above findings suggest Tai Chi is effective in reducing arthritic pain and disability as other clinical exercise programmes.
Tai Chi, an exercise form that originated in China, involves gentle, gliding motions that can be performed regardless of physical ability.
To determine whether Tai Chi improves pain, disability, physical performance, and health-related quality of life in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, researchers from Australia reviewed studies of Tai Chi involving a total of about 300 subjects with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers reviewed five studies that assessed Tai Chi effects among people with osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, lower back, and ankle, one study that involved those with rheumatoid arthritis and one study involving people with tension headaches. Study participants, generally 60 years of age and older, participated in group Tai Chi sessions of 40 to 60 minutes once or twice a week, and were often encouraged to practice Tai Chi movements at home.
It was found that Tai Chi reduced pain-related disability associated with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of chairs, and completing household, shopping, and leisure activities.
On comparison of pain and pain-related disability measures before and after the participants completed the Tai Chi programmes, the pooled data showed 10-points reduction, on 100-point scale, in both measures. Moreover, the review showed improved mood and tension levels associated with Tai Chi.
The above findings suggest Tai Chi is effective in reducing arthritic pain and disability as other clinical exercise programmes.
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