title: Tai chi and rheumatic diseases.
abstract: Tai chi is a complex multicomponent mind-body exercise. Many studies have provided evidence that tai chi benefits patients with a variety of chronic disorders. This form of mind-body exercise enhances cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, balance, and physical function and seems to be associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression and improved quality of life. Thus, despite certain limitations in the evidence, tai chi can be recommended to patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia as a complementary and alternative medical approach. This article overviews the current knowledge about tai chi to better inform clinical decision making for rheumatic patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, 800 Washington Street, Box 406, Boston, MA 02111, USA. cwang2@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
authors.forename: Chenchen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies / Q000379:methods; D053580:Muscle Strength; D059408:Pain Management; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D026302:Tai Ji; D016896:Treatment Outcome