Tai chi chuan exercises improve functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with primary total knee arthroplasty due to knee osteoarthritis

129 elderly patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis and scheduled for a primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomized to receive post-operative traditional Chinese tai chi chuan (TCC) exercise therapy or standard exercise therapy for 12 weeks. Outcomes of interest included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain and physical function score, the 6-minute walk test, knee range of motion in flexion and extension, and the Short Form 36 Mental and Physical Component Scores (SF-36 MCS, SF-36 PCS). Following the completion of intervention, significantly favourable WOMAC physical function, 6-minute walk test, SF-36 PCS and SF-36 MCS outcomes were reported in the TCC group compared to the control group. Otherwise, no significant differences were observed between the two groups.