Effects of T'ai Chi Training on Function and Quality of Life Indicators in Older Adults with Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of T'ai Chi training on arthritis self‐efficacy, quality of life indicators, and lower extremity functional mobility in older adults with osteoarthritis. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Intervention length was 12 weeks, with outcomes measured before and after intervention using blinded testers. Group (T'ai Chi vs Control) × time (2 × 2) mixed factorial ANOVA. SETTING: Allied Health Sciences Center at Springfield College, Springfield, MA PARTICIPANTS: A total of 33 community‐dwelling participants (mean age 68) diagnosed with lower extremity osteoarthritis and having no prior T'ai Chi training longer than 2 weeks. INTERVENTION: T'ai Chi training included two 1‐hour T'ai Chi classes per week for 12 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Arthritis self‐efficacy (Arthritis Self‐Efficacy Scale), quality of life indicators (Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale), functional outcomes (one‐leg standing balance, 50‐foot walking speed, time to rise from a chair). RESULTS: T'ai Chi participants experienced significant ( P < .05) improvements in self‐efficacy for arthritis symptoms, total arthritis self‐efficacy, level of tension, and satisfaction with general health status. CONCLUSIONS: A moderate T'ai Chi intervention can enhance arthritis self‐efficacy, quality of life, and functional mobility among older adults with osteoarthritis. T'ai Chi training is a safe and effective complementary therapy in the medical management of lower extremity osteoarthritis.