Tai Chi Might Be as Effective as Physical Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

Pain scores between groups were similar at 12 weeks and 1 year.

Researchers from Tufts have reported that tai chi is more effective than no treatment among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or knee osteoarthritis (OA; Arthritis Rheum 2009; 61:1545). Now, this research group has conducted a randomized trial to compare standard physical therapy and tai chi in 204 patients with knee OA. Tai chi sessions were 60 minutes twice weekly for 12 weeks; physical therapy sessions were 30 minutes twice weekly for 6 weeks, with close phone monitoring for another 6 weeks. Assessors were blinded to treatment assignments.

At 12, 24, and 52 weeks, mean pain scores (as measured on the WOMAC scale) had improved similarly in both groups, and outcomes in the two groups were similar for most secondary measures …

Reviewing Author

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

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Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Tai Chi Might Be as Effective as Physical Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

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Reviewing Author