ScienceDaily (Nov. 1, 2009) — Researchers
from Tufts University School of Medicine have determined that patients over 65
years of age with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who engage in regular Tai Chi
exercise improve physical function and experience less pain. Tai Chi (Chuan) is
a traditional style of Chinese martial arts that features slow, rhythmic
movements to induce mental relaxation and enhance balance, strength,
flexibility, and self-efficacy.
Full findings of the study are published in the November issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of
Rheumatology.
The elderly population is at most risk for developing knee OA, which results
in pain, functional limitations or disabilities and a reduced quality of life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are 4.3
million U.S. adults over age 60 diagnosed with knee OA, a common form of
arthritis that causes wearing of joint cartilage. A recent CDC report further
explains that half of American adults may develop symptoms of OA in at least one
knee by age 85.
For this study, Chenchen Wang, M.D., M.Sc., and colleagues recruited 40 patients from the greater
Boston area with confirmed knee OA who were in otherwise good health. The mean
age of participants was 65 years with a mean body mass index of 30.0 kg/m2.
Patients were randomly selected and 20 were asked to participate in 60-minute
Yang style Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included: a
10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles; 30 minutes of Tai Chi
movement; 10 minutes of breathing technique; and 10 minutes of relaxation.
"Tai Chi is a mind-body approach that appears to be an applicable treatment
for older adults with knee OA," said Dr. Wang. Physical components of Tai Chi
are consistent with current exercise recommendations for OA, which include range
of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic work out. Researchers
believe the mental feature of Tai Chi addresses negative effects of chronic pain
by promoting psychological wellbeing, life satisfaction, and perceptions of
health.
The remaining 20 participants assigned to the control group attended two
60-minute class sessions per week for 12 weeks. Each control session included 40
minutes of instruction covering OA as a disease, diet and nutrition, therapies
to treat OA, or physical and mental health education. The final 20 minutes
consisted of stretching exercises involving the upper body, trunk, and lower
body, with each stretch being held for 10-15 seconds.
At the end of the 12-week period, patients practicing Tai Chi exhibited a
significant decrease in knee pain compared with those in the control group.
Using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
pain scale, researchers noted a -118.80 reduction in pain from baseline between
the Tai Chi and control group. Researchers also observed improved physical
function, self-efficacy, depression, and health status for knee OA in subjects
in the Tai Chi group. "Our observations emphasize a need to further evaluate the
biologic mechanisms and approaches of Tai Chi to extend its benefits to a
broader population," concluded Dr. Wang.
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NAME OF 24 POSTURE FORM
1. Beginning form
2.Parting the Wild Horse's Mane (3 times)
3.White Crane Spreads its Wings
4.Brush Knee and Side Step (3 times)
5.Play the Lute
6.Step Back and Repulse Monkey (4 times)
7.Grasp the Sparrow's Tail - left
8. Grasp the Sparrow's Tail - right
9.Single Whip
10.Wave Hands Like Clouds (3 times)
11.Single Whip
12.High Pat on Horse
13.Kick With Right Heel
14.Strike Ears With Fists
15.Kick With Left Heel
16.Snake Creeps Down (left) and Golden Cockerel Stands on right leg
17. Snake Creeps Down (right) and Golden Cockerel on Right Leg
18.Fair Lady Weaves the Shuttle (right and left)
19.Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
20.Fan through Back
21.Deflect Downwards, Parry and Punch
22.Apparent Close Up
23.Cross Hands
24.Closing Form
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