A community-centric multi-disciplinary education program with the 8-section brocade Tai Chi therapy for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee – a pilot study

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common chronic degenerative joint diseases, and a multi-disciplinary approach to educating patients with OA knee are effective in symptoms management. Tai Chi exercise is a novel approach to relieving knee OA symptoms. Combining both educational program and Tai Chi has not yet been explored. Methods Multi-disciplinary education program included a total of 4-week 2-h weekly talks delivered by different health professionals with live demonstrations. This was then followed by a 1-h Tai Chi class (Baduanjin). Results from IPAQ (Physical activity level), WOMAC (evaluate knee OA conditions), and SF-36v2 (quality of life) were collected at the first class of education program, 3 and 6 months after the end of Tai Chi class. CSQ-8 (program effectiveness) was administered on the last day of Tai Chi class. Results One hundred and twelve patients joined the program. The overall attendance was over 90% with close-to-zero dropout rate. Satisfaction scored high in 85% of patients. WOMAC pain scores (p = 0.04) and SF-36v2 emotional role (p = 0.02) were statistically decreasing (improving) at 6 months after the program. SF-36v2 physical role and mental health tended to improve with time. Conclusions Combining both multidisciplinary education program program and Tai Chi exercise for knee OA patients was proven feasible. This program received high satisfaction, high attendance and very low dropout rates without any adverse event. Patients’ pain and emotion were significantly improved. A large-scale randomized trial introducing a control group is recommended. Trial registration Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov Registration number: NCT04204213 Date of registration: 18/12/2019 (Retrospectively registered)

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Effect of Tai Chi Training on Plantar Loads during Walking in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/3096237 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Zhiwang Zhang ◽

Lingyan Huang ◽

Yu Liu ◽

Lin Wang

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Education Program ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Peak Pressure ◽

Maximum Force ◽

Control Group ◽

Link Type ◽

Wellness Education ◽

Metatarsophalangeal Joints

Tai Chi is an available method for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The impacts of Tai Chi on plantar loads of individuals with KOA are not fully understood. 46 participants with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned into the Tai Chi group (n=23) or the control group (n=23). The Tai Chi group attended a 6-month Tai Chi program, and the control group participated in a wellness education program. Novel Pedar-X system was used to collect the peak pressure (PP) and maximum force (MF) during walking before and 6 months after the intervention. Significant higher peak pressure and maximum force were observed in the 4th and 5th metatarsophalangeal joints in the Tai Chi group. However, there were significant declines in the peak pressure of the whole foot and the 2nd and 3rd metatarsophalangeal joints and maximum force of the heel in the control group. These results suggested that individuals with KOA might change the pattern of plantar loads during walking through Tai Chi, and plantar loads would be useful as a parameter to assess the effect of Tai Chi on knee osteoarthritis. This trial is registered with Clinical Trials: CHiCTR-TRC-13003264.

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A Blinded Randomised Trial of Acupuncture (Manual and Electroacupuncture) Compared with a Non-Penetrating Sham for the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/aim.26.2.69 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 69-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Ronald W Jubb ◽

Emad S Tukmachi ◽

Peter W Jones ◽

Emma Dempsey ◽

Lynn Waterhouse ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomised Trial ◽

Symptomatic Improvement ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Acupuncture Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Acupuncture Points ◽

Osteoarthritis Of The Knee ◽

Womac Pain ◽

Treatment Comparison

Objectives To compare the effect of acupuncture (manual and electroacupuncture) with that of a non-penetrating sham (‘placebo’ needle) in patients with osteoarthritic knee pain and disability who are blind to the treatment allocation. Methods Acupuncture naive patients with symptomatic and radiological evidence of osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly allocated to a course of either acupuncture or non-penetrating sham acupuncture using a sheathed ‘placebo’ needle system. Acupuncture points for pain and stiffness were selected according to acupuncture theory for treating Bi syndrome. Both manual and electrical stimulation were used. Response was assessed using the WOMAC index for osteoarthritis of the knee, self reported pain scale, the EuroQol score and plasma β-endorphin. The effectiveness of blinding was assessed. Results There were 34 patients in each group. The primary end point was the change in WOMAC pain score after the course of treatment. Comparison between the two treatment groups found a significantly greater improvement with acupuncture (mean difference 60, 95% CI 5 to 116, P=0.035) than with sham. Within the acupuncture group there was a significant improvement in pain (baseline 294, mean change 95, 95% CI 60 to 130, P<0.001) which was not seen by those who had sham acupuncture (baseline 261, mean change 35, 95% CI-10 to 80, P=0.12). Similar effects within group, but not between groups, were seen with the secondary end points of WOMAC stiffness, WOMAC function, and self reported pain. One month after treatment the between group pain difference had been lost (mean difference 46; 95% CI −9 to 100, P=0.10) although the acupuncture group was still benefiting compared to baseline (mean difference 59; 95% CI 16 to 102, P=0.009). The EuroQol score, a generic measure of health related quality of life, was not altered by the treatments. A minority of patients correctly guessed their treatment group (41% in the acupuncture group and 44% in the control group). Plasma β-endorphin levels were not affected by either treatment. Conclusions Acupuncture gives symptomatic improvement for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, and is significantly superior to non-penetrating sham acupuncture. The study did not confirm earlier reports of release of plasma β-endorphin during acupuncture.

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Safety and effectiveness of a Tai Chi-based cardiac rehabilitation programme for chronic coronary syndrom patients: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036061 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. e036061

Author(s):

Jing Ma ◽

Jian wei Zhang ◽

Hua Li ◽

Lian shan Zhao ◽

Ai ying Guo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Short Form ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme ◽

Tai Chi Exercise ◽

Randomised Controlled

IntroductionPreliminary evidence from clinical observations suggests that Tai Chi exercise may offer potential benefits for patients with chronic coronary syndrom (CCS). However, the advantages for CCS patients to practice Tai Chi exercise as rehabilitation have not been rigorously tested and there is a lack of consensus on its benefits. This study aims to develop an innovative Tai Chi Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (TCCRP) for CCS patients and to assess the efficacy, safety and acceptability of the programme.Methods and analysisWe propose to conduct a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial comprising of 150 participants with CCS. The patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio into two groups. The intervention group will participate in a supervised TCCRP held three times a week for 3 months. The control group will receive supervised conventional exercise rehabilitation held three times a week for 3 months. The primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months after intervention and after an additional 3-month follow-up period. Primary outcome measures will include a score of 36-Item Short Form Survey and Chinese Perceived Stress Scale. The secondary outcome measures will include body composition, cardiopulmonary exercise test, respiratory muscle function, locomotor skills, echocardiogram, New York Heart Association classification, heart rate recovery time and laboratory examination. Other measures also include Seattle Angina Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Berg Balance Scale. All adverse events will be recorded and analysed.Ethics and disseminationThis study conforms to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and relevant ethical guidelines. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of Chinese People’s Libration Army General Hospital (approval number: S2019-060-02). Findings from this study will be published and presented at conferences for widespread dissemination of the results.Trial registration numberNCT03936504.

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Effect of Twelve Sessions of Tai Chi Exercise on Static and Dynamic Balance in Young Girls

International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science ◽

10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.8n.1p.26 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 26

Author(s):

Abdolhamid Daneshjoo ◽

Aida Tavakol ◽

Hassan Sadeghi

Keyword(s):

Tai Chi ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Training Group ◽

Repeated Measure ◽

Control Group ◽

Young Girls ◽

Balance System ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tai Chi Exercise ◽

And Control

Background: Tai Chi is Chinese martial art strengthening the performance of individuals. Objectives: The purpose of present study is to determine the effect of a Tai Chi exercise period on static and dynamic balance of young girls. Methods: For the purpose of this research, 32 young girls were voluntarily selected and randomly divided into two groups: Tai Chi training group (21 subjects; mean ± SD; age 22.05±2.4 weight 53.67±6.3 kg, height 1.60±0.5 m) and control group (11 subjects; mean ± SD; age 23.37±0.9 weight 53.64±7.8 kg, height 1.62±0.4 m) players. Static and dynamic balance were measured using Biodex Balance System SD three days before and after a 12-session training period with similar conditions in terms of time and place (75 minutes each session). Results: Mixed repeated measure test showed a significant difference between pre and post-tests in open eye single-foot, closed eye single-foot, open eye two-foot, and closed eye two-foot stances (p=0.001). However, no significant difference was revealed in the control group (p>0.05). While there was better balance state in all stances of Tai Chi group, no significant difference was observed between the groups in this respect (p>0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this research indicated the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercises on static and dynamic balance of young girls. Although there was no significant difference in effect of exercise between training and control groups, mean percentage of changes in training group revealed the effectiveness of exercise in training group compared to control. Therefore, Tai Chi exercises can be recommended to treat and prevent injury due to poor balance. We suggested performing Tai Chi more than 12 session in order to enhance it influences.

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Tai Chi as a Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Reducing Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/4094325 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Xiandu Pan ◽

Li Tian ◽

Fan Yang ◽

Jiahao Sun ◽

Xinye Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Bodily Pain ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Tai Chi Exercise

Objective. This study systematically evaluated the effects of Tai Chi exercise on blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and quality of life (QOL) in patients with hypertension. A meta-analysis was performed to provide a reliable reference for clinical practice. Methods. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in five English databases and two Chinese databases, with the earliest data dated December 5, 2020. A quality assessment of the methods and a meta-analysis were also conducted. Results. The meta-analysis of 24 studies showed that the intervention group showed better outcomes in terms of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (SMD −1.05, 95% CI −1.44 to −0.67, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 93.7%), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SMD −0.91, 95% CI −1.24 to −0.58, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 91.9%), and QOL (physical functioning (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.37, P = 0.001 ; I2 = 91.3%), role-physical (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.11, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 65%), general health (SMD 0.75, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.17, P = 0.001 ; I2 = 88.1%), bodily pain (SMD 0.65, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.00, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 83.1%), vitality (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.07, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 84.3%), social functioning (SMD 0.63, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.19, P = 0.027 ; I2 = 93.1%), role-emotional (SMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.06, P = 0.003 ; I2 = 88.1%), and mental health (SMD 0.73, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.16, P = 0.001 ; I2 = 88.2%)) compared to those of the control group. However, no significant improvements were seen in BMI of the intervention group (SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.35 to −0.19, P = 0.554 ; I2 = 69.4%) compared to that of the control group. Conclusion. Tai Chi is an effective intervention to improve SBP and DBP in patients with essential hypertension.

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Evaluation of Tai Chi Program Effectiveness for People with Arthritis in the Community: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2014-0211 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 101-110 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Leigh F. Callahan ◽

Rebecca J. Cleveland ◽

Mary Altpeter ◽

Betsy Hackney

Keyword(s):

Tai Chi ◽

Program Effectiveness ◽

Group Performance ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Wait List Control ◽

Arthritis Foundation ◽

Lower Extremity Strength ◽

Adjusted Means ◽

One Year

Objective:Evaluate effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program for community participants with arthritis.Methods:343 individuals were randomized to either the intervention or wait-list control group. Performance and self-reported outcome (SRO) measures were assessed at baseline and eight weeks. At one year, SROs only were assessed. Adjusted means were determined using regression models adjusting for covariates, and effect sizes (ES) were calculated.Results:Average participant age was 66 years, 87% were female, and 87% were Caucasian. Among 284 (83%) participants who returned at eight weeks, balance by reach (ES = 0.30) and helplessness, sleep, and role participation satisfaction (ES = 0.24–0.54) improved significantly; pain, fatigue, and stiffness improvement (ES = 0.15–0.23) approached significance. No change was noted in mobility, lower extremity strength, or single-leg stance balance. At one year, improvements in pain, fatigue, stiffness, helplessness, and role participation satisfaction at eight weeks were maintained; 30% continued tai chi practice.Conclusion:Moderate effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program was confirmed.

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Impacts of tai chi exercise on functional fitness in community-dwelling older adults with mild degenerative knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02390-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Po-Yin Chen ◽

Chen-Yi Song ◽

Hsin-Yen Yen ◽

Pi-Chu Lin ◽

Su-Ru Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Functional Fitness ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Functional Reach ◽

Tai Chi Exercise ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background Degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) often leads to pain and stiffness of the affected joints, which may affect the physical performance and decrease the quality of life of people with degenerative knee OA. Compared to traditional exercise, tai chi is a safe exercise with slow movements which can facilitate physical functioning and psychological well being, and might be suitable for improving the physical activities of older adults with knee OA. Therefore, this study investigated the impacts of tai chi exercise on the functional fitness of community-dwelling older adults with degenerative knee OA. Methods Sixty-eight community-dwelling older adults with knee OA were recruited from the local community to participate in this randomized controlled clinical trial. All subjects were randomly assigned to either an TCE group that practiced tai chi exercise (TCE) (n = 36) or a control group (CON) (n = 32) that received regular health education programs twice per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measurements were determined using functional fitness tests before and after the intervention, including a 30-s chair stand (number of repeats), 30-s arm-curl (number of repeats), 2-min step (number of steps), chair sit-and-reach (reaching distance, cm), back-scratch flexibility (distance between hands, cm), single-leg stand (time, s), functional reach (reaching distance, cm), 8-foot up-and-go (time, s), and 10-m walk tests (time, s). Pre-post comparisons of functional fitness were analyzed using the ANCOVA test with SPSS software version 18.0. Results Results revealed that participants’ functional fitness in the TCE group had significantly higher adjusted mean post-tests scores than that in the CON group after the intervention, including the 8-foot up-and-go (s) (mean difference [MD]=-2.92 [-3.93, -1.91], p = 2.39*10− 7), 30-s arm curl (MD = 4.75 (2.76, 6.73), p = 1.11*10− 5), 2-min step (MD = 36.94 [23.53, 50.36], p = 7.08*10− 7), 30-s chair stand (MD = 4.66 [2.97, 6.36], p = 6.96*10− 7), functional-reach (MD = 5.86 [3.52, 8.20], p = 4.72*10− 6), single-leg stand with eyes closed (MD = 3.44 [1.92, 4.97], p = 2.74*10− 5), chair sit-and-reach (MD = 3.93 [1.72, 6.15], p = 0.001), and single-leg stand with eyes opened (MD = 17.07 [6.29, 27.85], p = 0.002), with large effect sizes (η²=0.14 ~ 0.34). Conclusions Community-dwelling older adults with knee OA in the TCE group had better functional fitness performances after the 12-week tai chi intervention than those receiving only health education.

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Abstract WP416: Tai Chi Exercise Reduces Stroke Risk Factors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.wp416 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Aileen W Chan ◽

Doris Y Leung ◽

Janet W Sit ◽

S.Y. Chair

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Brisk Walking ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Tai Chi Exercise ◽

Walking Group

Background and Purpose: Risk factors for stroke include hypertension, diabetes, low blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL), physical inactivity and obesity. Among these, hypertension is the most important controllable risk factor for stroke. A total of at least 30 minutes exercise every day is recommended for prevention of stroke. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise versus brisk walking exercise in reducing stroke risk factors. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 246 subjects with stroke risk factors were recruited from two outpatient clinics. They were randomly assigned into one of the three groups, namely, Tai Chi group (n=82), walking group (n=82), and control group (n=82). The Tai Chi group received Tai Chi training, which consisted of two 60-minute sessions each week for three months, and self-practice for 30 minutes every day. The walking group performed brisk walking for 30 minutes every day. The control group was advised to maintain their routine activities. The primary outcome was blood pressure. Secondary outcomes included fasting blood for lipid profile and sugar; body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage. Data were collected at baseline and 3-month post-intervention. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to compare the changes in outcomes across time between groups. Results: The mean age of the 246 subjects was 64.4 (SD=9.8), with 45.5% (n=112) were male. The GEE analysis showed that, as compared to the control group, the Tai Chi group demonstrated statistically significant greater reduction in systolic blood pressure (B=-10.25, P=0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (B=-6.50, P=0.002), and significant increase in HDL (B=0.16, P=0.012), while no significant differences were noted in the walking group. No significant changes were noted in the other outcome variables at 3-month. Conclusion: Regular Tai Chi exercise was effective in reducing the stroke risk factors by reducing high blood pressure and increasing HDL. Longer follow-up period was suggested for monitoring the sustainability of both Tai Chi and brisk walking to reveal the empirical effects of both exercises on stroke prevention.

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Relationships between Pain, Function and Radiographic Findings in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Cross-Sectional Study

Arthritis ◽

10.1155/2012/984060 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Duygu Cubukcu ◽

Ayse Sarsan ◽

Hakan Alkan

Keyword(s):

Knee Pain ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Osteoarthritis Of The Knee ◽

Womac Pain ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Radiographic Findings ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Duration Of Disease ◽

Grading Scale ◽

The Mean

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between pain, disability, and radiographic findings in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and Methods. A total of 114 patients with knee OA who attended the physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic were included in this study. The diagnosis was based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for knee OA. Age, duration of disease, and body mass index (BMI) of the patients were recorded. Radiographic features on the two-sided knee radiography were assessed with the Kellgren-Lawrence scale. The severity of knee pain, stiffness, and disability were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results. The mean age of the patients was 56.98 (±8.28) years and the mean disease duration was 4.14 (±4.15) years. Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale and age or disease duration were positively and significantly associated, whereas none of the WOMAC subscores were found to be related with Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale (). On the other hand, WOMAC disability scores were significantly associated with WOMAC pain and WOMAC stiffness (). Conclusions. Knee pain, stiffness, and duration of disease may affect the level of disability in the patients with knee OA. Therefore treatment of knee OA could be planned according to the clinical features and functional status instead of radiological findings.

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Effects of Extended Tai Chi Intervention on Balance and Selected Motor Functions of the Elderly

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine ◽

10.1142/s0192415x07004904 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 35 (03) ◽

pp. 383-391 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Yuhua Li ◽

Cheri N. Devault ◽

Sharon Van Oteghen

Keyword(s):

Tai Chi ◽

The Elderly ◽

Exercise Session ◽

Control Group ◽

Static Balance ◽

Motor Functions ◽

Exercise Interventions ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tai Chi Exercise ◽

Ankle Flexibility

Balance ability decreases with age, which results in an increased risk of falls for people over age 65. Tai Chi exercise appears to offer potential benefits in the reduction of falls for the elderly. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of extended (6- and 12-month) Tai Chi exercise interventions on balance and selected motor functions for senior citizens. Forty-seven subjects were recruited from two local senior centers. Twenty of them ( M = 71.8 years, SD = 7.1), 11 in the Tai Chi exercise group and 9 in the control group, completed the pre-, mid- and post-tests over 12 months on five selected functional performance tests: static balance, dynamic balance, choice reaction time, heel-rise strength, and ankle flexibility. The Tai Chi group was provided with a one-hour Tai Chi exercise session per week for 12 months; the control group did not participate in any exercise program. Results showed that static balance improved significantly after a 6-month Tai Chi intervention. Moreover, the Tai Chi group maintained a higher level in the test performance compared with the control group at the end of the 12-month intervention, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Data suggested that Tai Chi exercise intervention could produce a positive influence on balance control for the elderly over a prolonged period, but not on muscle strength and ankle flexibility.

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