Effects of T'ai Chi training on function and quality of life indicators in older adults with osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of T'ai Chi training on arthritis self-efficacy, quality of life indicators, and lower extremity functional mobility in older adults with osteoarthritis.


METHODS
A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Intervention length was 12 weeks, with outcomes measured before and after intervention using blinded testers. Group (T'ai Chi vs Control) x time (2 x 2) mixed factorial ANOVA.


METHODS
Allied Health Sciences Center at Springfield College, Springfield, MA PARTICIPANTS: A total of 33 community-dwelling participants (mean age 68) diagnosed with lower extremity osteoarthritis and having no prior T'ai Chi training longer than 2 weeks.


METHODS
T'ai Chi training included two 1-hour T'ai Chi classes per week for 12 weeks.


METHODS
Arthritis self-efficacy (Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale), quality of life indicators (Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale), functional outcomes (one-leg standing balance, 50-foot walking speed, time to rise from a chair).


RESULTS
T'ai Chi participants experienced significant (P < .05) improvements in self-efficacy for arthritis symptoms, total arthritis self-efficacy, level of tension, and satisfaction with general health status.


CONCLUSIONS
A moderate T'ai Chi intervention can enhance arthritis self-efficacy, quality of life, and functional mobility among older adults with osteoarthritis. T'ai Chi training is a safe and effective complementary therapy in the medical management of lower extremity osteoarthritis.
Hartman
C A
CA
Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
Manos
T M
TM
Winter
C
C
Hartman
D M
DM
Li
B
B
Smith
J C
JC
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome