The Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Improving Mind-Body Health for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evaluation of traditional Chinese exercise for knee osteoarthritis (KOA): an overview of systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has become a public health issue. Several systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) indicate that traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) may be an effective treatment for reducing pain and stiffness and improving physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the literature quality and evidence for the systematic reviews of TCE for KOA and provide evidence to support the clinical application of TCE for KOA.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched from their inception to January 3, 2023, to retrieve relevant literature, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), China Biology Medical literature database (CBM), PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, without restrictions on publication date or language. AMSTAR-2 and PRISMA 2020 assessed the methodological and reporting quality of included SRs/MAs. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was utilized to evaluate the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 18 SRs/MAs were included. The methodological quality was "very low" based on AMSTAR-2. The overall reporting quality was deficient based on PRISMA 2020. The quality of Chinese and English literature differed, with English literature being superior in methodological and reporting quality. Among 93 pieces of evidence obtained, 46 (49.46%) were of very low quality, 34 (36.56%) were of low quality, 13 (13.98%) were of moderate quality, and none were of high quality. TCE was supported by 76 pieces of evidence (81.72%).

CONCLUSION

TCE appears beneficial and safe for managing KOA. However, due to the relatively low methodological and evidentiary quality of included SRs/MAs, clinicians should interpret these findings cautiously.

Mechanisms of improved body composition among perimenopausal women practicing Meditative Movement: a proposed biobehavioral model

OBJECTIVES

Weight gain and unfavorable body composition are prevalent among midlife/older women throughout menopause. These shifts may negatively impact health, well-being, and longevity. Efforts to attenuate weight and body composition changes are traditionally driven by manipulation of diet and/or exercise; however, sustained results are limited, possibly because the full spectrum of biobehavioral systems is not addressed by diet and exercise alone. We propose a biobehavioral model detailing mechanisms of body composition decline among perimenopausal women and the associated components of Meditative Movement (ie, tai chi, qigong, yoga) that address each of these factors.

METHODS

Based on our previous work and extensive review of the literature, we developed a multifactorial and multidimensional biobehavioral model including factors that most directly relate to body composition among perimenopausal women: 1) psychological (ie, stress and mood, mindfulness and self-compassion, body awareness), 2) behavioral (ie, sleep, physical activity, eating behaviors), and 3) physiological (ie, cortisol, estrogen). Relationships between each factor, Meditative Movement practice components, and predicted effects on body composition were explored in detail.

RESULTS

Our model describes select psychological, behavioral, and physiological factors, and potential mechanistic pathways of Meditative Movement practice driving improved changes in body composition and weight outcomes for perimenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed model details a novel, evidence-supported means to reduce the risk of deleterious shifts in body composition throughout perimenopause and menopause thereafter. We suggest that these changes may occur directly and/or indirectly through psychological, behavioral, and physiological mechanisms that facilitate the desired changes in body composition.

The Effectiveness of Tai Chi for Knee Osteoarthritis: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Background

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) has become a serious health issue for elderly patients. Several systematic reviews (SRs) have reported Tai Chi has widely been used in the treatment of KOA. However, the methodology and conclusions of these SRs are controversial. This overview aims to summarize and evaluate the available evidence for the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for KOA.

Methods

Two independent researchers searched eight databases from the inception to April 30, 2022. The included SRs were assessed respectively by A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2, the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool, and the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool was used to assess the quality of the included SRs in terms of outcome indicators.

Results

Six SRs were finally included in this overview. The results of methodological quality, reporting quality, and risk of bias of the included SRs were generally unsatisfactory. The limitations were a lack of explaining the reasons for selection, a list of excluded literature, reporting bias assessment, and reporting the potential sources of conflict of interest. In addition, only 1 item was assessed as moderate quality by using the GRADE tool. Limitations were the most common downgraded factors.

Conclusion

Tai Chi is effective as a non-pharmacological intervention in the integrative treatment of KOA. However, the quality of evidence and methodological quality of SRs is generally unsatisfactory, suggesting that these results must be interpreted with caution.

Trial Registration/Protocol Registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022315146.

Effects of Tai chi in knee osteoarthritis patients: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

Tai Chi (TC) is a complementary therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Although systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (Mas) of efficacy studies have been published, the results remain uncertain, and their quality has not yet been fully evaluated. Here, we summarize the existing SRs/Mas, evaluate their quality and level of evidence, and provide a reference for the effectiveness of TC.

METHODS

SRs/Mas of TC therapy for KOA published before February 2023 were retrieved from eight databases in Chinese and English. The Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020, and the Risk of Bias in Systematic (ROBIS) scale were used to assess methodological quality, reporting quality, and risk of bias.

RESULTS

Seven SRs/Mas were finally included. One was deemed high quality by AMASTAR-2, while the rest were of critically low quality. In the PRISMA2020 assessment, the response rate of "Yes" for Q7, Q15, Q22, Q24, and Q27 was less than 50%. In the ROBIS assessment, three reports in Phase 3 were high risk and four were low risk. In the efficacy assessment, TC has shown varying degrees of improvement in physical function, pain, stiffness, 6-minute walk test, mental quality of life, TUG, and balance in patients with KOA.

CONCLUSION

TC effectively treats KOA-associated pain, stiffness, body function, and mental quality of life. However, the low methodological quality of the studies and the high risk of migration reduced their reliability. Therefore, these conclusions should be taken with caution. High-quality, large-sample research is needed to provide stronger and more scientific evidence.

Mind-Body Therapies From Traditional Chinese Medicine: Evidence Map

Background: The mind-body therapies of traditional Chinese medicine include several intervention types and combine physical poses with conscious relaxation and breathing techniques. The purpose of this Evidence Map is to describe these different interventions and report related health outcomes.

Methods: This evidence map is based on the 3iE Evidence Gap Map methodology. We searched seven electronic databases (BVS, PUBMED, EMBASE, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences, and PschyInfo) from inception to November 2019 and included systematic reviews only. Systematic reviews were analyzed based on AMSTAR 2. We used Tableau to graphically display quality assessment, the number of reviews, outcomes, and effects.

Results: The map is based on 116 systematic reviews and 44 meta-analyses. Most of the reviews were published in the last 5 years. The most researched interventions were Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The reviews presented the following quality assessment: 80 high, 43 moderate, 23 low, and 14 critically low. Every 680 distinct outcome effect was classified: 421 as potential positive; 237 as positive; 21 as inconclusive/mixed; one potential negative and none no effect. Positive effects were related to chronic diseases; mental indicators and disorders; vitality, well-being, and quality of life. Potential positive effects were related to balance, mobility, Parkinson's disease, hypertension, joint pain, cognitive performance, and sleep quality. Inconclusive/mixed-effects justify further research, especially in the following areas: Acupressure as Shiatsu and Tuiná for nausea and vomiting; Tai Chi and Qi Gong for acute diseases, prevention of stroke, stroke risk factors, and schizophrenia.

Conclusions: The mind-body therapies from traditional Chinese medicine have been applied in different areas and this Evidence Map provides a visualization of valuable information for patients, professionals, and policymakers, to promote evidence-based complementary therapies.

What is the healthcare utilisation and out-of-pocket expenditure associated with osteoarthritis? A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the use and out-of-pocket expenses resulting from consultations, products and practices across conventional, self-care, and complementary medicine (CM) treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) among Australian women.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A cross-sectional survey of 800 women from the 45 and Up Study who had reported a clinical diagnosis of OA.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Women's use of conventional, CM and self-prescribed treatments for OA and the associated out-of-pocket cost.

RESULTS

Completed questionnaires were returned by 403 women (50.4%). Their average time since the first diagnosis of OA was 15.4 years, and self-rated severity of OA was 5.1 (out of 10) over the past 12 months. During the previous year, 67.0% of the women consulted a doctor, 39.2% consulted an allied health practitioner and 34.7% consulted a CM practitioner for their OA. Some women (19%) consulted with practitioner(s) from all three practitioner groups, 27% consulted with practitioner(s) from two of the three practitioner groups, while 6% consulted with a CM practitioner only. Women with a greater time since diagnosis had more consultations, as did women who rated their OA as more severe. Women's average combined out-of-pocket expenditure for OA-related healthcare consultations, prescription medications, products, and practices was $673 per annum. Extrapolated to all Australian women with OA, aged 50 years and over, the total out-of-pocket expenditure for this condition is estimated to be $873 million per annum.

CONCLUSIONS

Australian women with OA use a range of conventional and CM consultations, self-care, products and practices to manage their condition, incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses. Given the high individual and societal burden of OA, there is a need for further research into the concurrent use of different healthcare resources with a view to providing safe, cost-effective management of OA across the healthcare system and the wider community.

State of Knowledge on Molecular Adaptations to Exercise in Humans: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions

For centuries, regular exercise has been acknowledged as a potent stimulus to promote, maintain, and restore healthy functioning of nearly every physiological system of the human body. With advancing understanding of the complexity of human physiology, continually evolving methodological possibilities, and an increasingly dire public health situation, the study of exercise as a preventative or therapeutic treatment has never been more interdisciplinary, or more impactful. During the early stages of the NIH Common Fund Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) Initiative, the field is well-positioned to build substantially upon the existing understanding of the mechanisms underlying benefits associated with exercise. Thus, we present a comprehensive body of the knowledge detailing the current literature basis surrounding the molecular adaptations to exercise in humans to provide a view of the state of the field at this critical juncture, as well as a resource for scientists bringing external expertise to the field of exercise physiology. In reviewing current literature related to molecular and cellular processes underlying exercise-induced benefits and adaptations, we also draw attention to existing knowledge gaps warranting continued research effort. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3193-3279, 2022.

Beneficial Effects and Potential Mechanisms of Tai Chi on Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: A Biopsychosocial Perspective

Lower limb osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, multifactorial disease characterized by impaired physical function, chronic pain, compromised psychological health and decreased social functioning. Chronic inflammation plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of OA. Tai Chi is a type of classical mind-body exercise derived from ancient Chinese martial arts. Evidence supports that Tai Chi has significant benefits for relieving lower limb OA symptoms. Using a biopsychosocial framework, this review aims to elucidate the beneficial effects of Tai Chi in lower limb OA and disentangle its potential mechanisms from the perspective of biology, psychology, and social factors. Complex biomechanical, biochemical, neurological, psychological, and social mechanisms, including strengthening of muscles, proprioception improvement, joint mechanical stress reduction, change of brain activation and sensitization, attenuation of inflammation, emotion modulation and social support, are discussed.

Effect of acupotomy in knee osteoarthritis patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is common in China. Pharmacological therapy is not the first recommendation because of its safety issues. Nonpharmacological therapy, such as lifestyle adjustments, weight loss, muscle strengthening, and aerobic exercise programs, is strongly recommended for KOA. However, these approaches may fail due to poor patient compliance. There is a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials of acupotomy, an effective treatment for KOA. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of acupotomy in patients with KOA.

Methods

A total of 136 patients will be enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and assigned to the acupotomy group or sham acupotomy group according to the block randomization scheme. Patients in the acupotomy group will receive 2 sessions of acupotomy for 2 weeks (once a week). Patients in the sham group will receive 2 sessions of sham stimulation for 2 weeks (once a week). All patients will use indomethacin cream externally. The primary outcome will be the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the secondary outcomes will be the visual analog scale (VAS) score, plantar pressure distribution test result, X-ray examination findings, musculoskeletal ultrasound findings, maximum knee circumference, joint mobility, and quality of life. Measurements will be taken at baseline, 1 week after the end of treatment, and at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first single-blind, sham-controlled study of acupotomy. The outcome assessors will also be blinded. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the efficacy of acupotomy in treating KOA.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000033047. Registered on 18 May 2020.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05247-z.

Bidirectional associations of accelerometer measured sedentary behavior and physical activity with knee pain, stiffness, and physical function: The CARDIA study

The objective was to examine bidirectional associations of accelerometer estimated sedentary time and physical activity with reported knee symptoms. Participants were 2,034 adults (mean age 45.3 ± 3.6 years, 58.7% female) from CARDIA. Generalized estimating equations for logistic regression and linear mixed regression models examined associations of accelerometer estimated sedentary time, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) at baseline (2005-06) with knee discomfort, pain, stiffness, and physical function (yes/no and continuous scores from short-form WOMAC function scale) at the 5- and 10-year follow-up exams. Linear regression models examined associations between knee symptoms at the 5-year follow-up with accelerometer estimates at the 10-year follow-up. Models were adjusted for confounders; individuals with comorbidities were excluded in sensitivity analyses. A 30 min/day increment in sedentary time at baseline was associated with lower odds of knee symptoms at the 5- and 10-year follow-up (OR: 0.95, 95% CI range: 0.92-0.98), while LPA and MVPA were associated with greater odds of knee symptoms (LPA OR range: 1.04-1.05, 95% CI range: 1.01-1.09; MVPA OR range: 1.17-1.19, 95% CI range: 1.06-1.32). Report of knee symptoms at the 5-year follow-up was associated with 13.52-17.51 (95% CI range: -29.90, -0.56) fewer minutes/day of sedentary time and 14.58-17.51 (95% CI range: 2.48, 29.38) more minutes/day of LPA at the 10-year follow-up, compared to those reporting no symptoms. Many associations were no longer statistically significant when excluding individuals with comorbidities. Findings support a bidirectional association of accelerometer estimated sedentary time and physical activity with knee symptoms across midlife.

Tai Chi Chuan for Subjective Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

This review aims to investigate the efficacy of Tai Chi Chuan on subjective sleep quality among adults.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and the Wanfang Database from their inception to August 2019 and identified 25 eligible studies that were published in both English and Chinese.

Results

24 out of 25 studies were identified to be high-quality studies according to the PEDro scale. The pooled results confirmed that Tai Chi Chuan elicited moderate improvements in subjective sleep quality (SMD = −0.512, 95% CI [−0.767, −0.257], P < 0.001). Notably, Tai Chi Chuan yielded more significant effects on sleep quality among the healthy population (SMD = −0.684, 95% CI [−1.056, −0.311], P < 0.001) than the clinical population (SMD = −0.395, 95% CI [−0.742, −0.047], P=0.026) and more benefits among the Asian population (SMD = −0.977, 95% CI [−1.446, −0.508], P < 0.001) than the American population (SMD = −0.259, 95% CI [−0.624, 0.105], P=0.164). After controlling the methodological quality of studies, it has been noted that Asians could achieve the most significant sleep-promoting benefit when Tai Chi Chuan was practiced between 60 and 90 min per session.

Conclusions

Available data implied that subjective sleep quality was improved via Tai Chi training, but more thorough studies must be executed to ascertain our findings and optimize Tai Chi practices accordingly toward various populations.

Tai Chi Is Safe and Effective for the Hip Joint: A Biomechanical Perspective

There is little research related to the biomechanical effects of Tai Chi on the hip joint. This study was aimed to analyze the biomechanical characteristic of a typical Tai Chi movement, Brush Knee and Twist Step. A total of 12 experienced older men voluntarily participated in this study. Each participant was requested to perform standard Brush Knee and Twist Step and normal walking. The scaled-generic musculoskeletal model of each participant was developed. A finite element model of the hip joint and pelvis was established and validated. Data from each trail were input to the model for simulation, and the biomechanics were compared between Brush Knee and Twist Step and walking. Compared with walking, Tai Chi may have better improvement in the range of motion of the hip joint and the coordination of the neuromuscular system under safer condition. It is suitable for patients with hip osteoarthritis and the older adults with severe muscle loss, and clinical studies are required to confirm it further.

The Tai Chi training for middle-aged and elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a disabling joint disease with an increasingly prevalence among the older individuals. Tai Chi, one of the ancient meditative movements, has been recognized to have clinical benefits for KOA. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for patients with KOA through this systematic review.

METHODS

Five English databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and CINAHL), 4 Chinese databases (CBM, CNKI, CQVIP, and Wanfang), and 5 clinical trial registration databases (ClinicalTrials.gov, ANZCTR, EU-CTR, ChiCTR, and ICTRP) will be searched from establishment of the database until November 31, 2019. Grey literature will be searched in SIGLE, Grey Net, Microsoft Academic, Google Scholar, Open Aire, World Wide Science.org, and WorldCat. There will be no restrictions on language. The randomized controlled trials of Tai Chi training for patients with KOA will be included. The primary outcome will be assessed according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Meta-analysis will be conducted with the use of RevMan 5.3. The specific process will refer to the Cochrane Handbook 5.1 for Systematic Review.

RESULTS

High-quality synthesis of current evidence on the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi training for KOA will be provided in this study.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review aims to present evidence for whether Tai Chi training is an effective intervention which can improve both physical condition and life quality in patients suffering KOA.

Effectiveness of Tai Chi for health promotion for adults with health conditions: a scoping review of Meta-analyses

Purpose: To complete a scoping review of meta-analyses summarizing evidence of the effectiveness of Tai Chi for adults with health conditions.Materials and Methods: Meta-analyses were retrieved from Medline, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PsychINFO, Web of Science, PubMed Health and the Cochrane Library from database inception to early September 2018. Multistage deduplication and screening processes identified full-length, unique, peer-reviewed meta-analyses. Two people independently appraised 42 meta-analyses based on the GRADE system and organized results into 3 appendices subsequently collated into heterogeneous, statistically significant, and statistically insignificant tables.Results: "High" and "moderate" quality evidence indicates that Tai Chi can significantly benefit adults with health conditions including cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, depression, heart failure, hypertension, low back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's Disease and stroke. Outcomes included significant improvements in activities of daily living, balance, exercise capacity, gait, mastery, mental health, mobility, motor function, participation in daily life, physical function, quality of life, range of motion, and strength; with reductions in blood pressure, body mass index, depression, disability, dyspnea, falls, fatigue, pain, stiffness, and waist circumference.Conclusions: Healthcare providers now have information to advise clients with health conditions on the effectiveness of Tai Chi for overall health promotion.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONTai Chi is a form of safe, enjoyable, light-to-moderate aerobic physical activity for adults that is inexpensive to implement in diverse community settings.Adults with health conditions require physical activity for prevention of secondary impairments and over-all health promotion.This scoping review of meta-analyses elucidates "high" and "moderate" quality evidence of the effectiveness of Tai Chi in improving important outcomes for people with numerous health conditions.This information can be useful for healthcare providers who wish to recommend effective community-based physical activity to clients they are serving.

The Effects of Baduanjin Qigong on Postural Stability, Proprioception, and Symptoms of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a common disease affecting a large number of old individuals worldwide. This study aimed to explore the effects of Baduanjin Qigong in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Fifty participants with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 25) or a control group (n = 25). Participants in the experimental group received Baduanjin Qigong training for 12 weeks, with three sessions per week lasting 40 min per session. Participants in the control group did not receive any additional physical training. All of participants completed outcome (proprioception, postural stability, and functional ability) assessments at three time points (baseline, Week 8, 12). Results: Proprioception and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function were statistically improved at eighth and 12th week of the intervention in the Baduanjin Qigong group (p < 0.05), while the control group did not have any significant changes. For postural stability at the anterior-posterior direction with eyes closed, Baduanjin Qigong group showed significant improvement compared to controls after the 12 weeks of intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Regular Baduanjin Qigong practice helped the improvement of knee joint proprioception and postural stability, and reduction of pain, stiffness, and functional impairments of old adults with knee osteoarthritis. Well-designed randomized controlled trials with long-term assessment are needed. The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-16010042). URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=10550.

Effects of Physical Activity in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Umbrella Review

INTRODUCTION

We conducted a systematic umbrella review to evaluate the literature relating to effects of physical activity on pain, physical function, health-related quality of life, comorbid conditions and osteoarthritis (OA) structural disease progression in individuals with lower-extremity OA.

METHODS

Our primary search encompassed 2011 to February 2018 for existing systematic reviews (SR), meta-analyses (MA) and pooled analyses dealing with physical activity including exercise (not mixed with any other intervention and compared to a no-activity control group). A supplementary search encompassed 2006 to February 2018 for original research related to physical activity (including exercise) and lower limb OA progression. Study characteristics were abstracted, and risk of bias was assessed.

RESULTS

Physical activity decreased pain and improved physical function (strong evidence) and improved health-related quality of life (moderate evidence) among people with hip or knee OA relative to less active adults with OA. There was no evidence to suggest accelerated OA progression for physical activity below 10,000 steps per day. Both physical activity equivalent to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (150 min·wk of moderate-intensity exercise in bouts ≥10 min) and lower levels of physical activity (at least 45 total minutes per week of moderate-intensity) were associated with improved or sustained high function. No SR/MA addressing comorbid conditions in OA were found. Measurable benefits of physical activity appeared to persist for periods of up to 6 months following cessation of a defined program.

CONCLUSIONS

People with lower-extremity OA should be encouraged to engage in achievable amounts of physical activity, of even modest intensities. They can choose to accrue minutes of physical activity throughout the entire day, irrespective of bout duration, and be confident in gaining some health and arthritis-related benefits.

Exercise in the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on studies published during July 2001 to August 2017 of exercise as an intervention in knee and hip osteoarthritis, including its influence on an array of patient outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies continue to illustrate the efficacy of exercise in treating and managing osteoarthritis, with current literature more focused on the knee compared with the hip joint. Both traditional (e.g. strength, aerobic, flexibility) and more nontraditional (e.g. yoga, Tai Chi, aquatic) training modes improve patient outcomes related to joint symptoms, mobility, quality of life, psychological health, musculoskeletal properties, body composition, sleep, and fatigue. Exercise that is adequately dosed (e.g. frequency, intensity) and progressive in nature demonstrated the greatest improvements in patient outcomes. Supervised, partially supervised, and nonsupervised interventions can be successful in the treatment of osteoarthritis, but patient preference regarding level of supervision and mode of exercise may be key predictors in exercise adherence and degree of outcome improvement. A topic of increasing interest in osteoarthritis is the supplementary role of behavior training in exercise interventions.

SUMMARY

Osteoarthritis is a complex, multifactorial disease that can be successfully managed and treated through exercise, with minimal risk for negative consequences. However, to have greatest impact, appropriate exercise prescription is needed. Efforts to achieve correct exercise doses and mitigate patient nonadherence are needed to lessen the lifelong burden of osteoarthritis.

"A Learned Soul to Guide Me": The Voices of Those Living with Kidney Disease Inform Physical Activity Programming

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to (a) confirm the barriers to and facilitators of physical activity (PA) among persons living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Ontario and (b) inform the design of a Kidney Foundation of Canada Active Living for Life programme for persons living with CKD. Method: Adults living with CKD in Ontario were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey investigating opinions about and needs for PA programming. The 32-item survey contained four sections: programme delivery preferences, current PA behaviour, determinants of PA, and demographics. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and thematic coding. Results: A total of 63 respondents participated. They had a mean age of 56 (SD 16) years, were 50% female, and were 54% Caucasian; 66% had some post-secondary education. The most commonly reported total weekly PA was 90 minutes (range 0-1,050 minutes). Most respondents (84%) did not regularly perform strength training, and 73% reported having an interest in participating in a PA programme. Conclusion: Individuals living with CKD require resources to support and maintain a physically active lifestyle. We identified a diversity of needs, and they require a flexible and individualized inter-professional strategy that is responsive to the episodic changes in health status common in this population.

Osteoarthritis year in review 2017: rehabilitation and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review was to describe studies examining rehabilitation for people with osteoarthritis (OA) and to summarize findings from selected key systematic reviews (SRs) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

DESIGN

A systematic search was performed using Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases from April 1^st 2016 to May 15^th 2017 using the terms 'osteoarthritis', 'randomized controlled trial', and 'systematic review'. Inclusion criteria were: clinically or radiologically diagnosed patients with OA, rehabilitation treatment, RCT or SRs. A selection of the included studies is discussed based on study quality and perceived importance to the field; including those that are innovative, inform the direction of the field or generate controversy. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro-scale for RCTs and the Amstar guideline for SRs.

RESULTS

From 1211 articles, 80 articles met the eligibility criteria including 21 SRs and 61 RCTs. The median of the methodological quality of the SRs and RCTs was 7 (2-9) and 6 (3-10), respectively. The studies were grouped into several themes, covering the most important rehabilitation fields.

CONCLUSIONS

Striking is the small number of studies investigating another joint (18%) than the knee (82%). Exercise is the most common treatment evaluated and should be accompanied with education to effectuate a behavioural change in physical activity of people with OA. No new insights in the field of braces (or orthoses) and in the field of acupuncture were found.

Effect of Tai Chi Synergy T1 Exercise on Autonomic Function, Metabolism, and Physical Fitness of Healthy Individuals

OBJECTIVES

Tai Chi synergy T1 exercise is an aerobic exercise derived mainly from Tai Chi exercise. It is also derived from the Eight Trigrams Palms, form and will boxing, mantis boxing, Qigong, and Yoga, with a total of 16 sessions in 63 minutes. In this study, we investigated its effects on autonomic modulation, metabolism, immunity, and physical function in healthy practitioners.

METHOD

We recruited a total of 26 volunteers and 23 control participants. Heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded before and after practicing Tai Chi synergy T1 exercise and regular walking for 10 weeks, respectively. Serum glucose, cholesterol, and peripheral blood including B and T cell counts were also measured. They underwent one-minute bent-knee sit-ups, sit and reach test, and three-minute gradual step test.

RESULTS

Tai Chi synergy T1 exercise enhanced parasympathetic modulation and attenuated sympathetic nerve control with increased very low frequency (VLF) and high frequency (HF) but decreased low frequency (LF) compared to the control group. Metabolic profiles including serum glucose, cholesterol, and BMI significantly improved after exercise. The exercise enhanced innate and adaptive immunity by increasing the counts of CD3+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, and CD16+CD56+ NK cells but decreasing the CD3+ cytotoxic T cell count. All monitored parameters including physical fitness and physical strength improved after the exercise.

CONCLUSION

Tai Chi synergy T1 exercise improves autonomic modulation, body metabolism, physical fitness, and physical strength after 10 weeks of practice.