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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00522054

Tai Chi for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis Arthritis Arthritis, Rheumatoid Autoimmune Diseases Behavior Connective Tissue Diseases Immune System Diseases Joint Diseases Motor Activity Musculoskeletal Diseases Rheumatic Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

18 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

National resource center for rehabilitation in rheumatology. Diakonhjemmet Hospital

Oslo, 0319, Norway

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.

Treatment and study plan

Physical exercise

Other

Tai Chi exercise, twice a week during 12 weeks

Primary outcomes

  1. Balance was measured with Walking in a Figure of Eight. Strength and endurance were measured by Timed-Stands test. Shoulder function was measured with Assessments of Shoulder Movement Impairment Scale.

    Time frame: 15 min

Secondary outcomes

  1. Blood samples were collected for determination of sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). A rheumatologist examined the patients with the number of 28 swollen and tender joints.

    Time frame: 15 min

  2. Self-reported health status included Health Assessment Questionnaire, visual analogue scale for fatigue, muscle pain, and fear of falling, Short Form Health Survey and Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale

    Time frame: 15 min

  3. Focus group interview in order to capture the participants' experiences and perceptions with Tai Chi.

    Time frame: 1 hour

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Diakonhjemmet Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2004
Study completion
2005
First posted
Aug 29, 2007
Registry last updated
Aug 29, 2007

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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