Tai Chi for treating knee osteoarthritis: designing a long-term follow up randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a major cause of pain and functional impairment among elders. Currently, there are neither feasible preventive intervention strategies nor effective medical remedies for the management of KOA. Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese mind-body exercise that is reported to enhance muscle function, balance and flexibility, and to reduce pain, depression and anxiety, may safely and effectively be used to treat KOA. However, current evidence is inconclusive. Our study examines the effects of a 12-week Tai Chi program compared with an attention control (wellness education and stretching) on pain, functional capacity, psychosocial variables, joint proprioception and health status in elderly people with KOA. The study will be completed by July 2009.

Methods/d

SUBMITTER: Wang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2529300 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature