Tai Chi for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Tai Chi for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study

The purpose of this study was to study the impact of Tai Chi group exercise on physical function, health and disease activity of patients with RA, and to examine the patients' experience and perception of Tai Chi.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory and systemic disease that mainly affects the musculoskeletal system. The disease is often progressive and may result in reduced physical function, pain, fatigue, and joint destruction. Exercise programs are reported to improve physical functioning in patients with RA.

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that was developed in the 13th century, and combines slow and gentle movements with mental focus.

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a 12 weeks standardized Tai Chi group exercise program on disease activity, physical function and health status in patients with RA attending. Further, the patients experiences of possible effects of Tai Chi were to be obtained in a focus group interview.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of RA according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1987
• Stable medical treatment
• No earlier experience with Tai Chi

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lack of ability to bear weight on the lower extremities
• Recent or ongoing disease flare
• Unstable heart condition
• Participation in other physical exercise interventions more than twice a week included in other intervention studies.