Tai Chi Qigong for the quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot, randomized, waiting list controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Tai Chi Qigong training on the quality of life and physical function of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.Design: A preliminary, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.Setting: General community, performed at Hwaseong City Health Center.Participants: Forty-four elderly subjects (mean age, 69.1 ± 5.4 years) with knee osteoarthritis.Intervention: The patients were randomized (2:1) to: (1) an eight-week Tai Chi Qigong training programme or (2) a waiting list control group. The programme involved eight weeks of group Tai Chi Qigong sessions, with 60 minutes per session twice a week.Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was quality of life measured with the Short Form 36 (SF-36) at baseline and week 8. Secondary outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and 6-m walking time.Results: The training group had statistically significant improvements in the quality of life (changes of SF-36, Qigong versus control: 21...