Study finds tai chi helps treat osteoarthritis symptoms in elderly
By Health News Team • Nov 9th, 2009 • Category: Joint Health, True Health News
Tai Chi can help alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms, according to study
Treating arthritis pain may be possible with a relaxing alternative therapy, according to researchers. They say the ancient Chinese martial art known as tai chi may be effective in reducing knee pain in older people with osteoarthritis (OA).
The study, published in the November issue of the journal Arthritis Care and Researchsuggests that practicing tai chi can help seniors suffering from OA reduce their pain and improve their physical function.
A research team in Boston studied the effects of twice- weekly 60-minute tai chi sessions over a period of 12 weeks on a group of seniors with confirmed cases of knee OA. The sessions included practicing tai chi movements as well as breathing and relaxation techniques.
At the end of the 12-week study period, patients practicing tai chi exhibited a significant decrease in knee pain compared with those in the control group. In addition, researchers say they observed improved physical function, self-efficacy, depression, and health status in the group that took part in the exercise.
Tai chi features slow, rhythmic movements to induce mental relaxation and enhance balance, strength, flexibility, and self-efficacy. Components of the martial art are consistent with current exercise recommendations for OA, which include range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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.
Nutritional supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are also believed to help reduce symptoms associated with joint pain.