Effects of Modified T'ai Chi on Symptoms in Older Adults With Osteoarthritis

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of TC for Arthritis on physical function, pain, and stiffness in older adults with knee/hip OA. Two hypotheses were tested: Individuals in the TC group will demonstrate greater improvements in physical function compared to control group participants. Individuals in the TC group will demonstrate greater decreases in pain and stiffness compared to control group participants.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Exercise is considered a vital component of osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. T'ai Chi (TC) is a unique exercise intervention with low-velocity movements. Few studies have addressed the effects of TC on arthritis symptoms and function. TC for Arthritis was modified specifically for people with OA and consists of a standardized set of forms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-dose TC for Arthritis on physical function, pain, and stiffness in individuals with OA. Twenty-seven older adults with OA (mean age-81.3 years) completed an 8 week non-randomized controlled pre-post test quasi-experimental design study of TC for Arthritis. Physical function, pain, and stiffness were measured at baseline and 8 weeks for the TC and control groups using the WOMAC™ 3.1 Index. Qualitative data from interviews and participant observations were analyzed in order to understand the participants' expectations and experiences with TC.

Official Title
-----------------
Effects of Modified T'ai Chi Exercise on Physical Function, Pain, and Stiffness in Older Adults With Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis

Conditions
-----------------
Osteoarthritis

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Modified T'ai Chi: T'ai Chi for Arthritis


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Ability to walk independently, Speak and understand English, Understand the consent process; and Give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Participation in rehabilitation or another TC class, At the time of recruitment; and Inability to confirm medical stability for safe participation with healthcare provider.

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Behavioral: Modified T'ai Chi: T'ai Chi for Arthritis|nan|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| physical function |  | 8 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| pain and stiffness |  | 8 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
T'ai Chi, Osteoarthritis, Exercise, Older adults