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Tai Chi for older adults with chronic multisite pain: a randomized controlled pilot study
Tongjian You1, Elisa F Ogawa2, Saurja Thapa3
1Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125, USA. tongjian.you@umb.edu.
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
|March 8, 2018
Summary
Mind-body exercise, specifically Tai Chi, is a feasible and acceptable intervention for older adults with chronic pain, improving pain severity, fear of falling, and gait mobility. This supports larger trials for this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Mind-Body Interventions
Background:
- Chronic pain in older adults is linked to cognitive decline, reduced mobility, and increased fall risk.
- Multisite pain affects a significant portion of the elderly population, impacting their quality of life.
- Existing interventions may not adequately address the complex needs of older adults with widespread pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing Tai Chi to light physical exercise.
- To evaluate the effects of these interventions on pain, cognition, mobility, and fall risk in older adults with multisite pain.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of adults aged 65+ with multisite pain and a history of falls or assistive device use.
- Randomization into a 12-week program of either Tai Chi or light physical exercise, with twice-weekly sessions.
- Primary outcomes: feasibility and acceptability; Secondary outcomes: pain, cognition, physical function, gait, fear of falling, and fall rates.
Main Results:
- The study enrolled 54 participants (average age 75), with dropout rates of 18% (Tai Chi) and 12% (light exercise).
- Tai Chi significantly reduced pain severity and interference, decreased fear of falling, and improved gait variables.
- Light physical exercise did not yield significant improvements in these secondary outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a larger RCT of Tai Chi for older adults with multisite pain.
- Tai Chi demonstrates potential as an effective intervention for improving pain and functional outcomes in this demographic.
- Lessons learned will inform the design and execution of future research in this area.
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