In 2007, Song, R., et. al., conducted study about Sun-style Tai Chi exercise, which is an ancient Chinese martial art, has garnered increasing interest for its potential health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Sun-style Tai Chi exercise on arthritic symptoms, motivation for health behaviors, and the performance of health behaviors among older women with osteoarthritis.
A total of 72 women, with a mean age of 63 years, were recruited from outpatient clinics or public health centers and randomly assigned to either the Tai Chi exercise group or the control group. The Tai Chi exercise regimen consisted of sessions three times a week for the initial two weeks, followed by once-weekly sessions for the subsequent 10 weeks. Over the 12-week study period, 22 subjects in the Tai Chi exercise group and 21 subjects in the control group completed the posttest measure, resulting in a dropout rate of 41%. Outcome variables included arthritic symptoms measured by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (K-WOMAC), motivation for health behavior, and health behaviors.
Following the 12-week Tai Chi exercise program, participants in the Tai Chi group reported significantly reduced joint pain (t=-2.19, p=0.03) and stiffness (t=-2.24, p=0.03), along with increased perception of health benefits (t=2.67, p=0.01) and improved performance of health behaviors (t=2.35, p=0.02). Specifically, improvements were noted in diet behavior (t=2.06, p=0.04) and stress management (t=2.97, p=0.005).
The findings of this study suggest that Sun-style Tai Chi exercise is beneficial for women with osteoarthritis, as it effectively reduces perceived arthritic symptoms and enhances motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors. This underscores the potential of Tai Chi as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing osteoarthritis and improving overall well-being in this population.
Reference: Song, R., Lee, E. O., Lam, P., & Bae, S. C. (2007). Effects of a Sun-style Tai Chi exercise on arthritic symptoms, motivation and the performance of health behaviors in women with osteoarthritis. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 37(2), 249-256.