The effect of Ai Chi aquatic therapy on individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study.
Author: So BCL1, Kong ISY1, Lee RKL1, Man RWF1, Tse WHK1, Fong AKW1, Tsang WWN1
Affiliation:
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: Room ST520, Core S, Hung Hom, Hong Kong.
Conference/Journal: J Phys Ther Sci.
Date published: 2017 May
Other:
Volume ID: 29 , Issue ID: 5 , Pages: 884-890 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1589/jpts.29.884. Epub 2017 May 16. , Word Count: 148
[Purpose] To examine the efficacy of Ai Chi in relieving the pain and stiffness of knee osteoarthritis and improving, physical functioning, proprioception and quality of life. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five persons with knee osteoarthritis completed 5 weeks Ai Chi practice (60 minutes per session, twice per week, 10 sessions in total). Knee pain and stiffness were measured before and after the intervention program. [Results] Significant improvements in pain, self-perceived physical functioning and self-perceived stiffness were observed after the Ai-Chi intervention. On average, no significant change in knee range of motion, 6-minute walk test distances or proprioception was observed. [Conclusion] A five-week Ai Chi intervention can improve the pain and stiffness of knee osteoarthritis and self-perceived physical functions and quality of life improvement. Ai Chi may be another treatment choice for people with knee OA to practice in the community.
KEYWORDS: Aquatic exercise; Knee osteoarthritis; Tai Chi
PMID: 28603365 PMCID: PMC5462692 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.29.884
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