Tai Chi for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study was to study the impact of Tai Chi group exercise on physical function, health and disease activity of patients with RA, and to examine the patients' experience and perception of Tai Chi.

Detailed Description
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory and systemic disease that mainly affects the musculoskeletal system. The disease is often progressive and may result in reduced physical function, pain, fatigue, and joint destruction. Exercise programs are reported to improve physical functioning in patients with RA. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that was developed in the 13th century, and combines slow and gentle movements with mental focus. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a 12 weeks standardized Tai Chi group exercise program on disease activity, physical function and health status in patients with RA attending. Further, the patients experiences of possible effects of Tai Chi were to be obtained in a focus group interview.

Official Title
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Tai Chi for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study

Conditions
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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Physical exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of RA according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1987 Stable medical treatment No earlier experience with Tai Chi Exclusion Criteria: Lack of ability to bear weight on the lower extremities Recent or ongoing disease flare Unstable heart condition Participation in other physical exercise interventions more than twice a week included in other intervention studies.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Other: A<br>Single group study | Other: Physical exercise<br>* Tai Chi exercise, twice a week during 12 weeks<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Balance was measured with Walking in a Figure of Eight. Strength and endurance were measured by Timed-Stands test. Shoulder function was measured with Assessments of Shoulder Movement Impairment Scale. |  | 15 min | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blood samples were collected for determination of sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). A rheumatologist examined the patients with the number of 28 swollen and tender joints. |  | 15 min | 
| Self-reported health status included Health Assessment Questionnaire, visual analogue scale for fatigue, muscle pain, and fear of falling, Short Form Health Survey and Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale |  | 15 min | 
| Focus group interview in order to capture the participants' experiences and perceptions with Tai Chi. |  | 1 hour | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Exercise, Physical function, Rheumatoid arthritis, Tai Chi