Beneficial Effects and Potential Mechanisms of Tai Chi on Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: A Biopsychosocial Perspective
Author: Shu-Zhao Zhuang1, Pei-Jie Chen1, Jia Han1, Wei-Hua Xiao2
Affiliation:
1 Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
2 Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China. xiaoweihua@sus.edu.cn.
Conference/Journal: Chin J Integr Med
Date published: 2021 Dec 18
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.1007/s11655-021-3529-9. , Word Count: 143
Lower limb osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, multifactorial disease characterized by impaired physical function, chronic pain, compromised psychological health and decreased social functioning. Chronic inflammation plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of OA. Tai Chi is a type of classical mind-body exercise derived from ancient Chinese martial arts. Evidence supports that Tai Chi has significant benefits for relieving lower limb OA symptoms. Using a biopsychosocial framework, this review aims to elucidate the beneficial effects of Tai Chi in lower limb OA and disentangle its potential mechanisms from the perspective of biology, psychology, and social factors. Complex biomechanical, biochemical, neurological, psychological, and social mechanisms, including strengthening of muscles, proprioception improvement, joint mechanical stress reduction, change of brain activation and sensitization, attenuation of inflammation, emotion modulation and social support, are discussed.
Keywords: Tai Chi; biopsychosocial model; mechanism; osteoarthritis.
PMID: 34921649 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-021-3529-9
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