Tai chi improves physical function in older Chinese women with knee osteoarthritis.
BACKGROUND
Tai chi (TC) is proposed as a potential option for the management of osteoarthritis (OA), however, its beneficial effect on patients with knee OA has not been convincing.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of a 24-week TC program on physical functions in older Chinese women with knee OA.


METHODS
Thirty-five older Chinese women with knee OA were randomized into TC group (n = 18) and attention control (wellness education and stretching) group (n = 17). Subjects in the TC group practiced the 24-form simplified Yang-style TC 2 to 4 times a week for 24 weeks with frequency gradually increased. Physical function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 6-minute walk distance and stair climb time.


RESULTS
Compared with the control group, the participants in TC group had statistically significant improvements in changes of the WOMAC total score (6.18 +/- 2.13 vs. 1.71 +/- 2.73, P = 0.000), the WOMAC pain subscale (1.36 +/- 0.22 vs. 0.07 +/- 1.00, P = 0.001), the WOMAC stiffness subscale (0.66 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.05 +/- 0.38, P = 0.043), the WOMAC function subscale (6.17 +/- 1.96 vs. 1.72 +/- 2.63, P = 0.000), the 6-minute walk distance (32.43 +/- 14.20 vs. 6.67 +/- 16.76, P = 0.003), and the stair climb time (2.27 +/- 0.74 vs. 0.27 +/- 1.24, P = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that TC provides a safe, feasible and useful exercise option for older Chinese female patients with knee OA.
Ni
Guo-Xin
GX
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Nanfang Medical University, Guangzhou, China. fgxni@graduate.hku.hk
Song
Lin
L
Yu
Bin
B
Huang
Cai-Hua
CH
Lin
Jian-Hua
JH
D000368:Aged; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D026302:Tai Ji