Abstract Title:

Effects of T'ai Chi training on function and quality of life indicators in older adults with osteoarthritis.

Abstract Source:

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2000 Dec;48(12):1553-9. PMID: 11129742

Abstract Author(s):

C A Hartman, T M Manos, C Winter, D M Hartman, B Li, J C Smith

Article Affiliation:

Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of T'ai Chi training on arthritis self-efficacy, quality of life indicators, and lower extremity functional mobility in older adults with osteoarthritis.

DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Intervention length was 12 weeks, with outcomes measured before and after intervention using blinded testers. Group (T'ai Chi vs Control) x time (2 x 2) mixed factorial ANOVA.

SETTING: Allied Health Sciences Center at Springfield College, Springfield, MA PARTICIPANTS: A total of 33 community-dwelling participants (mean age 68) diagnosed with lower extremity osteoarthritis and having no prior T'ai Chi training longer than 2 weeks.

INTERVENTION: T'ai Chi training included two 1-hour T'ai Chi classes per week for 12 weeks.

MEASUREMENTS: Arthritis self-efficacy (Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale), quality of life indicators (Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale), functional outcomes (one-leg standing balance, 50-foot walking speed, time to rise from a chair).

RESULTS: T'ai Chi participants experienced significant (P<.05) improvements in self-efficacy for arthritis symptoms, total arthritis self-efficacy, level of tension, and satisfaction with general health status.

CONCLUSIONS: A moderate T'ai Chi intervention can enhance arthritis self-efficacy, quality of life, and functional mobility among older adults with osteoarthritis. T'ai Chi training is a safe and effective complementary therapy in the medical management of lower extremity osteoarthritis.

Study Type : Human Study

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