Tai Chi for osteoarthritis
October 18th, 2011
Question :
Can Tai Chi exercise improve symptoms and physical function in osteoarthritis?
Answer :
Tai Chi may be effective for pain control in knee osteoarthritis. Randomized clinical trials showed mixed results for improvement of physical function and for pain reduction at multiple sites.
Summary :
This review included 5 randomized clinical trials (RCT) and 7 non-randomized controlled clinical trials. In 2 of the RCTs there was significant pain reduction in knee osteoarthritis. In 2 of the RCTs there was improvement of physical function and in the activities of daily living.
Reference :
Tai chi for osteoarthritis: a systematic review.
Clinical rheumatology. 2008 Feb.
