Tai chi and rheumatic diseases.
Author: Wang C.
Affiliation:
Division of Rheumatology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, 800 Washington Street, Box 406, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Conference/Journal: Rheum Dis Clin North Am.
Date published: 2011 Feb
Other:
Volume ID: 37 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: 19-32 , Word Count: 106
Tai chi is a complex multicomponent mind-body exercise. Many studies have provided evidence that tai chi benefits patients with a variety of chronic disorders. This form of mind-body exercise enhances cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, balance, and physical function and seems to be associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression and improved quality of life. Thus, despite certain limitations in the evidence, tai chi can be recommended to patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia as a complementary and alternative medical approach. This article overviews the current knowledge about tai chi to better inform clinical decision making for rheumatic patients.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PMID: 21220083
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