Taichi is medicine: Effects of Taichi exercise on knee fitness and psychological health in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA): A randomized controlled trial.

研究概要

46 adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were randomized to either a Taichi exercise program or a control group maintaining usual activity. 36 participants completed post-intervention assessments and were included in the analysis, with 17 patients analyzed in the Taichi group and 19 patients analyzed in the control group. The outcomes of interest were knee function (Lysholm score), lower limb strength, dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test composite score), and psychological health assessed using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. Outcomes were assessed before and after the 8-week intervention period. Overall, the results of the study revealed that Taichi exercise led to statistically and clinically significant improvements in knee function, strength, balance, and psychological health, while no meaningful changes were observed in the control group. These findings suggest that Taichi provides broad physical and mental health benefits for older adults with knee osteoarthritis.