Knee OA has become a growing problem among elderly people. It causes pain and functional limitations due to articular inflammation and collagen degradation. And currently there are neither preventive intervention strategies nor effective medical remedies for the management of knee OA. Ergo…..
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise that uses a mind-body approach to improve muscle function, balance, and flexibility. Studies indicating significant improvements in reduction of pain and other arthritic symptoms, have made tai chi a possible effective way for treating knee osteoarthritis. The physical components of tai chi include a range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic cardiovascular exercise. The essence of the mind component of tai chi increases psychological well-being, life satisfaction, and perceptions of health.
Because current evidence is still inconclusive about the favorable outcomes of tai chi, a group of researchers have formulated the single-blind study. This study was designed to further test the effectiveness of tai chi using 40 patients with knee OA, of 55+ years of age, and with a body mass index of less than 40 kg/m2. These patients participated in two hour long tai chi sessions that were conducted weekly for 12 weeks, which also involved a 24 and 48 week follow-up. The results were to compare changes in knee pain, stiffness, and physical function.
This study, which was recently conducted this year, was designed with long term follow-ups to truly test the effectiveness of tai chi on patients with knee OA. Therefore, any conclusive results have yet to be published.
Its indicative to note that the researchers took into consideration the significant gaps in research participation that exist among ethnic minorities, something that tends to limit the generalization of findings to a particular ethnic group. As a result, the researchers did some extensive advertisement of the single-blind study for five months to ensure the adequate enrollment of underrepresented groups.
Sources:
Tai Chi for treating knee osteoarthritis: Designing a long-term follow up randomized controlled trial. BioMed Central. Vol 9, 2008.
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Inflammablog 2 is the place to post short reviews about selected subjects in immunology, inflammation, and infection, and have them commented on (and possibly even improved) by friends and colleagues. It is managed by John Cohen in Denver, and Zoë Cohen in Tucson. We invite students in either course to comment on the postings by their classmates and by the students in the other course.
We particularly want this to be a place to practice clear, friendly communication to people who have a background in science, but are not experts in this particular area. Sort of the Café Scientifique crowd.
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6 comments:
That is really interesting about the Tai Chi. So it really begs the question if other exercises that depend on the mind and body work as well. So does that mean that yoga and pilates work too? I think I am going to check that out. Stay tuned.
This is a really interesting piece of information. I have never heard of Tai Chi being beneficial for OA. I was wondering if you found in your research any other physical benefits that can be gained through Tai Chi. Thanks
I know that Tai Chi is being studied in the role of breast cancer research over at the University of Arizona College of Nursing.
And here are two other articles looking at Tai Chi and stroke/heart disease:
2007
Taylor-Piliae, R.E., & Haskell, W.L. Tai Chi Exercise and Stroke Rehabilitation. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 14(4): 9-22, 2007.
2007
Lee, M.S., Pittler, M.H., Taylor-Piliae, R. & Ernst, E. Tai Chi for Cardiovascular Disease and its Risk Factors: Systematic Review. Journal of Hypertension, 25: 1974-1975, 2007.
Tai Chi is a very interesting aspect when it comes to using it for health purposes. It first originated in China in 12th Century A.D. as a martial art; a moving meditation. It is now used in the United States as part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Tai Chi is performed to improve an aspect of an individuals health and stay healthy. A person practicing Tai Chi moves their body in slow, calming, and graceful movements. Two important elements in Tai Chi are breathing and meditation, so it does depend a great deal on, not only the body, but also the mind. Looking back at Derek's question, practitioners believe that this form of meditation and breathing can be beneficial to Massaging the internal organs.Aiding the exchange of gases in the lungs. Helping the digestive system work better. Increasing calmness and awareness and Improving balance.
Ok I did a little research and there is a lot of information on yoga and arthritis! The key is the breathing and control of movement. Gentle pressures are said to reach deep into troubled joints to relieve some of the stiffness. Also, in conjunction with the deep breathing the relaxation releases muscles around the joints to protect them. Very interesting stuff!
Exercise is known to decrease pain in people with osteoarthritis, but it’s not known if exercise reduces joint stiffness. The one of the main goal in exercise in patients with osteoarthritis is to keep the joints mobile, which also helps in the movement or transport of nutrients, waste, and fluid. Other forms or exercise beside Tai Chi to help with osteoarthritis (depending on the severity) are: yoga, water exercises like swimming, and cycling.
Source:
J Fam Pract. 2008 Jul;57(7):476-7
http://arthritis.about.com/cs/exercise/a/exercisetreat.htm
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