Tai Chi Is Effective Treatment for Severe Knee Osteoarthritis

Tai chi -- an ancient Chinese exercise that uses a mind-body approach to improve muscle function, balance, and flexibility -- is an effective treatment for people with severe knee osteoarthritis. Forty people participated in the study that evaluated the effectiveness of tai chi as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis, according to research presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting. On average, study participants were 65 years old, moderately overweight, had knee osteoarthritis for approximately 10 years, and the majority were female and Caucasian.

Study participants were introduced to 10 modified forms from the classical Yang style of tai chi or to conventional stretching and wellness education. Both groups participated in twice-weekly sessions for 60 minutes over 12 weeks. Evaluations were based on self-assessment questionnaires (WOMAC) that evaluated joint pain, joint stiffness, and physical function in knees and hips at the beginning and end of the study. While results showed that tai chi was an effective treatment for severe knee osteoarthritis, researchers said results should be confirmed with larger studies.

Related Resources:

• What Is Tai Chi?
• Tai Chi - Moving Meditation
• Qigong May Improve Knee Osteoarthritis
• How Is Physical Function Assessed?
• More About Tai Chi for Arthritis

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_{Photo by Anne Clark (iStockphoto)}