Impact of Tai Chi on Physical and Mental Well-being in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine the potential impact of Tai Chi on the enhancement of both physical and mental well-being in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: In this study, a search was conducted across the databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The keywords "Tai Chi" and "knee osteoarthritis" were employed. RESULTS: Seventeen randomized controlled trials comprising 980 participants were included. The results indicated that Tai Chi was significantly associated with improvements in various measures, including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score (weighted mean difference -1.87), WOMAC stiffness score (weighted mean difference -0.62), WOMAC physical function score (weighted mean difference -10.33), Short Form Health Survey physical component summary score (weighted mean difference 3.17), and Short Form Health Survey mental component summary score (weighted mean difference 2.31). Furthermore, Tai Chi exercise demonstrated superior performance in the Timed Up and Go test, while no significant difference was observed in the 6-Min Walk Test (weighted mean difference 10.43). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that Tai Chi may have a significant effect on reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, as measured by the WOMAC scale. Furthermore, Tai Chi shows promise in enhancing both the physical and mental aspects of quality of life, as well as improving performance in the timed up and go test.