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Posted on Oct 28, 2008, 2 a.m.
By Rich Hurd
Results of a recent study suggest that people with osteoarthritis may benefit from taking up the ancient Chinese martial art of tai chi.
Results of a recent study suggest that people with osteoarthritis may benefit from taking up the ancient Chinese martial art of tai chi.
Chenchen Wang and colleagues at Tufts Medical Center in Boston studied the effects of tai chi on 40 people with severe knee osteoarthritis. Participants were split into two groups: those in the first group practiced tai chi for one hour, twice a week for 12-weeks, whilst the second group, who a control, performed conventional stretching exercises.
Results showed that practicing tai chi for just 12-weeks led to improvements in pain, physical function, depression, and physical quality of life. Furthermore, follow-up assessments conducted at 24 and 48 weeks showed that those participants who continued to practice tai chi suffered from less pain and had better physical function.
Wang C. Tai chi is effective in treating knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. To be presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting, San Francisco, Oct. 24-29, 2008.
