RESEARCH - Exploring tai chi in RA: a quantitative and qualitative study

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Exploring Tai Chi in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study

From BMC Family Practice

Till Uhlig; Camilla Fongen; Eldri Steen; Sigrid Ødegård

Posted: 12 Apr 2010; BMC Family Practice. 2010;11:43

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory and

systemic disease which affects the musculoskeletal system. Exercise

programmes are reported to improve physical functioning in patients

with RA. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art which combines

slow and gentle movements with mental focus. The purpose of this study

was to study in which way Tai Chi group exercise impacted on disease

activity, physical function, health status and experience in RA

patients, applying quantitative and qualitative methods.

Methods: Fifteen patients with RA (13 females, age 33–70 years) were

recruited from a rheumatology department into a single group study.

The patients were instructed in Tai Chi exercise twice weekly for 12

weeks. Assessments at baseline, 12 weeks, and 12 weeks follow-up were

performed with a wide range of measures, including disease activity,

self-reported health status, physical performance tests (Walking in

Figure of Eight, Timed-Stands Test, and Shoulder Movement Impairment

Scale). Qualitative data were obtained from a focus group interview

conducted after completed intervention with taping and verbatim

transcription. Review of the transcripts identified themes important

to patients practicing Tai Chi.

Results: Within the group, Tai Chi practice lead to improved

lower-limb muscle function at the end of intervention and at 12 weeks

follow-up. Qualitative analyses showed that patients experienced

improved physical condition, confidence in moving, balance and less

pain during exercise and in daily life. Other experience included

stress reduction, increased body awareness, confidence in moving and

indicated that Tai Chi was a feasible exercise modality in RA.

Conclusions: Improved muscle function in lower limbs was also

reflected when patient experiences with Tai Chi were studied in depth

in this explorative study. The combination of qualitative and

quantitative research methods shows that Tai Chi has beneficial

effects on health not related to disease activity and standardised

health status assessment, and may contribute to an understanding of

how Tai Chi exerts its effects.

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Read the full article here:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/719420

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