The effect of Tai Chi on knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analyses of 13 randomized controlled trials.

Study Summary

13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 817 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing Tai Chi with wellness education, physical therapy (PT), exercise, or no intervention. Pooled outcomes included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, physical function and stiffness, 6-minute walking test (6MWT), 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Tai Chi significantly improved WOMAC pain, physical function and stiffness, walking performance, and physical and mental health compared with control interventions, while most KOOS domains also favoured Tai Chi. Overall, Tai Chi provided clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function, supporting its use as a non-pharmacological treatment for knee OA.