TAI CHI

Helps People with Arthritis of the Knee

According to a study conducted by researchers from Tufts University and published in the journal of Arthritis Care and Research, Tai Chi can reduce pain and improve function in people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee.

Researchers conducted the study on 40 people over the age of 55 who were suffering from arthritis of the knee. With exercise designed to avoid aggravating the knee, half of the participants were assigned to a Tai Chi class and the other half to a general wellness and stretching class twice a week with instructions to repeat their Tai Chi or stretching exercises at home for 20 minutes per day.

At the beginning and end of the study the participants filled out questionnaires about their pain, mental state, quality of life and other health related information.

After 12 weeks, participants in the Tai Chi group reported a 75 percent reduction in pain and a 72 percent increase in their ability to perform daily tasks, such as climbing stairs. These numbers were significantly higher than those in the control group. Participants in the Tai Chi group also reported significantly less depression and better health than those in the control group.

Osteoarthritis patients seeking to try Tai Chi should be sure to inform their instructors about their arthritis or other health conditions.