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


Author: Callahan LF1, Cleveland RJ, Altpeter M, Hackney B.

Affiliation: 1Thurston Arthritis Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Conference/Journal: J Aging Phys Act. 
Date published: 2015 Jun 18
Other:
  Word Count: 143  
    Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Evaluate effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi program for community participants with arthritis.

METHODS:

343 individuals were randomized to intervention or wait-list control. Performance and self-reported outcome (SRO) measures were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. At 1 year, SROs only were assessed. Adjusted means were determined using regression models adjusting for covariates and effect sizes (ES) calculated.

RESULTS:

Average participant age was 66 years, 87% were female and 87% Caucasian. Among 284 (83%) participants who returned at 8 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 1-year, improvements in pain, fatigue, stiffness, helplessness and role participation satisfaction at 8 weeks were maintained; 30% continued tai chi practice.

CONCLUSION:

Moderate effectiveness of the AF Tai Chi Program was confirmed.

PMID: 26099162