Tai Chi or Hydrotherapy for People With Osteoarthritis of the Hip(s) or Knee(s)

The aim of this study is to determine, in the framework of a randomized controlled clinical trial, whether Tai Chi can affect measurable improvements in self-reported outcomes such as pain, physical function and psychological well-being in people with osteoarthritis (OA) mainly affecting the hips or knees. The effectiveness of Tai Chi will be compared with both a non-intervention control group as well as with a formal exercise program, hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy has long been considered an effective intervention for people with chronic OA although scientific evidence is weak at present. The main study hypotheses are that Tai Chi or hydrotherapy can significantly decrease pain and physical limitations; improve health-related quality of life; and promote psychological well being in patients with OA of the hip(s) or knee(s); and that Tai Chi and hydrotherapy are of equal efficacy.

Official Title

Tai Chi or Hydrotherapy for People With Osteoarthritis of the Hip(s) or Knee(s)

Conditions

Osteoarthritis, Hip & Knee

Study Type

Interventional

Study Design

Treatment, Randomized, Single Blind, Active Control, Parallel Assignment, Efficacy Study

Further Details

Primary Outcome Measures:

• Self-reported pain and function (WOMAC)

Secondary Outcome Measures:

• General health status (SF-36)
• Psychological well being (DASS)
• Patient global assessment (100mm visual analogue scale [VAS])
• Physical performance: 50 feet walk time, stair time

A single blinded randomized controlled clinical trial with 3 allocation groups:

1. Tai Chi: maximum 15 people per group, twice weekly, 12 weeks.
2. Hydrotherapy: maximum 15 people per group, twice weekly, 12 weeks.
3. Control: 12 weeks waiting time prior to allocation to active intervention.

Study Start

February 2004; Study completion: October 2005

Eligibility & Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 59 Years – 85 Years
• Genders Eligible for Study: Both

Inclusion Criteria:

• Symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hip(s) or knee(s) according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) clinical and radiographic (hip) criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently participating in recreational physical activity more than twice a week.
• Unable to walk indoors for more than 10 minutes without a walking aid.
• Unable to exercise at a moderate level due to major co-morbidity.
• Incontinent, afraid of water or uncontrolled epilepsy.
• Low back pain referring to limbs.
• Joint replacement surgery in past year.
• Arthroscopic surgery or intra-articular injections in knee or hip in past 3 months.

Total Enrolment

150

Contact Details

St George Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales, 2217, Australia

• Marlene H Fransen, PhD MPH, Principal Investigator, The George Institute, University of Sydney
• John Edmonds, MB, BS, Study Chair, St George Hospital, University of NSW

Publications:

• Arthritis and Rheumatism (Medical Journal)
  

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