Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Nanfang Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
J Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Mar;16(2):64-7. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0b013e3181cf344f.
Tai chi (TC) is proposed as a potential option for the management of osteoarthritis (OA), however, its beneficial effect on patients with knee OA has not been convincing.
To evaluate the effect of a 24-week TC program on physical functions in older Chinese women with knee OA.
Thirty-five older Chinese women with knee OA were randomized into TC group (n = 18) and attention control (wellness education and stretching) group (n = 17). Subjects in the TC group practiced the 24-form simplified Yang-style TC 2 to 4 times a week for 24 weeks with frequency gradually increased. Physical function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 6-minute walk distance and stair climb time.
Compared with the control group, the participants in TC group had statistically significant improvements in changes of the WOMAC total score (6.18 +/- 2.13 vs. 1.71 +/- 2.73, P = 0.000), the WOMAC pain subscale (1.36 +/- 0.22 vs. 0.07 +/- 1.00, P = 0.001), the WOMAC stiffness subscale (0.66 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.05 +/- 0.38, P = 0.043), the WOMAC function subscale (6.17 +/- 1.96 vs. 1.72 +/- 2.63, P = 0.000), the 6-minute walk distance (32.43 +/- 14.20 vs. 6.67 +/- 16.76, P = 0.003), and the stair climb time (2.27 +/- 0.74 vs. 0.27 +/- 1.24, P = 0.001).
This study suggests that TC provides a safe, feasible and useful exercise option for older Chinese female patients with knee OA.
太极拳（TC）被提议作为骨关节炎（OA）管理的一种潜在选择，但其对膝骨关节炎患者的有益效果并不令人信服。
评估 24 周 TC 方案对中国老年女性膝骨关节炎患者身体功能的影响。
35 名老年中国女性膝骨关节炎患者被随机分为 TC 组（n=18）和注意对照组（健康教育和伸展）（n=17）。TC 组每周练习 24 式简化杨式 TC 2-4 次，24 周内逐渐增加频率。使用 Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index（WOMAC）、6 分钟步行距离和楼梯攀爬时间评估身体功能。
与对照组相比，TC 组患者的 WOMAC 总评分变化（6.18±2.13 对 1.71±2.73，P=0.000）、WOMAC 疼痛量表（1.36±0.22 对 0.07±1.00，P=0.001）、WOMAC 僵硬量表（0.66±0.25 对 0.05±0.38，P=0.043）、WOMAC 功能量表（6.17±1.96 对 1.72±2.63，P=0.000）、6 分钟步行距离（32.43±14.20 对 6.67±16.76，P=0.003）和楼梯攀爬时间（2.27±0.74 对 0.27±1.24，P=0.001）均有统计学意义改善。
本研究表明，TC 为中国老年女性膝骨关节炎患者提供了一种安全、可行且有益的运动选择。
