Effects of Tai Chi or Self-help Program on Balance, Flexibility, Oxygen Consumption, and Muscle Strength in Women with Osteoarthritis.
- Author:
Rhayun SONG
1
;
Eun Ok LEE
;
Paul LAM
;
Sang Cheol BAE
Author Information
1. Chungnam National University, Korea. songry@cnu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
Osteoarthritis;
Tai Chi;
Muscle strength;
Postural balance;
Oxygen consumption
- MeSH:
Abdominal Muscles;
Ambulatory Care Facilities;
Community Health Centers;
Female;
Hand Strength;
Humans;
Muscle Strength;
Muscles;
Osteoarthritis;
Oxygen;
Oxygen Consumption;
Pliability;
Postural Balance;
Self-Help Groups;
Tai Ji
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamental Nursing
2009;16(1):30-38
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This randomized study was done to compare the effects of a 6 month Tai Chi exercise and a self-help program on balance, flexibility and muscle strength in women with osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD: In this experimental study, 82 women with OA recruited from outpatient clinics or community health centers were randomly assigned either to a Tai Chi group or a self-help group. Thirty women (mean age = 62 years) in the Tai Chi group and 39 (mean age = 59 years) in the self-help group completed posttest measures (balance, flexibility, oxygen consumption, abdominal muscle strength, back muscle strength, and grip strength) at 6 months. RESULTS: After the 6 month, Tai Chi participants had significantly greater balance (mean difference = 2.9 vs. 0.9 for the self-help), grip strength (mean difference = 4.6 vs. 0.9 for the self-help), and back muscle strength (mean difference = 4.1 vs. -0.3 for the self-help). However, flexibility, oxygen consumption, and abdominal muscle strength were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Tai Chi increased balance, grip strength and back muscle strength in older women with osteoarthritis compared to the self-help program. Whether these changes improve physical functioning and fall prevention requires further study.
