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

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.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) x time (2 x 2) mixed factorial ANOVA.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.T'ai Chi training included two 1-hour T'ai Chi classes per week for 12 weeks.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).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.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.