Tai chi helps with arthritis

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Tai chi helps with arthritis

Researchers in Korea find that a tai chi program improves pain and daily living

activities in people with arthritis.

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese system of gentle exercise which has been long held

to have a wide range of health benefits. Now researchers at Soonchunhyang

University in Korea report on one of the first studies of the effects of tai chi

in osteoarthritis.

Seventeen patients, average age 64, did 12 weeks of a tai chi program especially

designed for use in arthritis, and were compared to 14 controls who did not do

the exercises. At the end of the study, the tai chi group reported significantly

less pain, and fewer difficulties in activities of daily living. They also had

improved abdominal strength and balance in comparison to the controls, though

there were no difference in flexibility, upper muscle or knee muscle strength.

Evidently older people can benefit greatly from taking up tai chi as part of

their exercise routine - but it needs to be done under medical supervision and

the moves should be taught by a qualified teacher.

Source

American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting November 12 2001