Seniors Citizens with Osteoarthritis Find Tai Chi
Exercise Relieves Pan, Helps Movement
Over 4 million in U.S. over age 60 diagnosed with
knee OA; CDC says half of elderly may develop symptoms of OA in at least
one knee by age 85
Oct. 29, 2009 – Senior citizens (over age 65) with
knee osteoarthritis (OA) saw and improvement in their physical function
and experienced less pain after regular Tai Chi exercise, according to
researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine.
Tai Chi (Chuan) is a traditional style of Chinese
martial arts that features slow, rhythmic movements to induce mental
relaxation and enhance balance, strength, flexibility, and
self-efficacy. Full findings of the study are published in the November
issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of
Rheumatology.
June
27, 2005 – A new study confirms what has been reported by other researchers
since 1996 – Tai Chi, a martial arts form that enhances balance and body
awareness through slow, graceful and precise body movements, can improve
balance, build strength and reduce the risk of falls in the elderly.
The
low-impact
Chinese
exercise,
Tai
Chi,
can
help
older
people
regain
some
of
the
physical
functioning
that
they
may
have
lost
to
inactivity,
according
to
a
new
study.
click
to
story
5/2/2001
The elderly population is at most risk for
developing knee OA, which results in pain, functional limitations or
disabilities and a reduced quality of life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) there are 4.3 million U.S. adults over age 60 diagnosed
with knee OA, a common form of arthritis that causes wearing of joint
cartilage. A recent CDC report further explains that half of American
adults may develop symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85.
For this study, Chenchen Wang, M.D., M.Sc., and
colleagues recruited 40 patients from the greater Boston area with
confirmed knee OA who were in otherwise good health.
The mean age of participants was 65 years with a
mean body mass index of 30.0 kg/m2. Patients were randomly selected and
20 were asked to participate in 60-minute Yang style Tai Chi sessions
twice weekly for 12 weeks.
Each session included: a 10-minute self-massage and
a review of Tai Chi principles; 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement; 10
minutes of breathing technique; and 10 minutes of relaxation.
"Tai Chi is a mind-body approach that appears to be
an applicable treatment for older adults with knee OA," said Dr. Wang.
Physical components of Tai Chi are consistent with current exercise
recommendations for OA, which include range of motion, flexibility,
muscle conditioning, and aerobic work out.
Tai Chi Chih developed
in 1974 by Justin Stone, who discusses it in this YouTube video
- click
Researchers believe the mental feature of Tai Chi
addresses negative effects of chronic pain by promoting psychological
wellbeing, life satisfaction, and perceptions of health.
The remaining 20 participants assigned to the
control group attended two 60-minute class sessions per week for 12
weeks. Each control session included 40 minutes of instruction covering
OA as a disease, diet and nutrition, therapies to treat OA, or physical
and mental health education. The final 20 minutes consisted of
stretching exercises involving the upper body, trunk, and lower body,
with each stretch being held for 10-15 seconds.
At the end of the 12-week period, patients
practicing Tai Chi exhibited a significant decrease in knee pain
compared with those in the control group. Using the Western Ontario and
McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scale,
researchers noted a –118.80 reduction in pain from baseline between the
Tai Chi and control group.
Researchers also observed improved physical
function, self-efficacy, depression, and health status for knee OA in
subjects in the Tai Chi group. "Our observations emphasize a need to
further evaluate the biologic mechanisms and approaches of Tai Chi to
extend its benefits to a broader population," concluded Dr. Wang.
Background on source:
Article: "Tai Chi Is Effective in Treating Knee
Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Chenchen Wang,
Christopher H. Schmid, Patricia L. Hibberd, Robert Kalish, Ronenn
Roubenoff, Ramel Rones, and Timothy McAlindon. Arthritis Care &
Research; Published Online: October 29, 2009 (DOI:10.1002/art.24832);
Print Issue Date: November 2009.
About Tai Chi
Chih (Wikipedia)
T’ai Chi Chih is a series of 19 movements
and 1 pose that together make up a meditative form of exercise
to which practitioners attribute physical and spiritual health
benefits. Some studies have found the practice to reduce stress
and relieve certain ailments.
Developed in Albuquerque, New Mexico in
1974 by Justin Stone, T’ai Chi Chih has spread mostly through
word-of-mouth in a grassroots fashion among practicing
individuals. It is now taught and practiced in the US and
Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and other
countries.
T’ai Chi Chih has visual similarities to
Tai chi chuan, but no
martial arts aspect. According to practitioners, T’ai Chi
Chih focuses on circulating, developing and balancing the
chi (in the traditional Chinese concept, a kind of spiritual
energy residing in every living thing).
Click here for the T'ai Chi Chih page on Wikipedia.
Information from official site
T'ai Chi Chih® is a set of movements
completely focused on the development of an intrinsic energy
called Chi. It's easy to learn and usually takes about two
months (or eight classes). T'ai Chi Chih (TCC) consists of
19 stand-alone movements and one pose.
T'ai Chi Chih is not a martial art. T'ai
Chi Chih is completely non-violent.
T'ai Chi Chih does not require a
particular level of physical fitness or coordination. The very
old and very young alike can learn it. (For those with physical
limitations, movements may be done seated – with some
modification.) No special clothing or equipment is required.
By whom, and where, is TCC taught? T'ai
Chi Chih may only be taught by accredited TCC teachers. They
offer classes in corporate wellness programs; at schools and
universities; at senior centers and retreat centers; through
Parks and Recreation departments; and at hospitals, churches,
and even prisons.
Oct. 29, 2009 – Senior citizens (over age 65) with
knee osteoarthritis (OA) saw and improvement in their physical function
and experienced less pain after regular Tai Chi exercise, according to
researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine.