Tai Chi or Hydrotherapy for People With Osteoarthritis of the Hip(s) or Knee(s)

St George Hospital

Status

Unknown

Conditions

Osteoarthritis, Hip

Osteoarthritis, Knee

Treatments

Behavioral: Tai Chi classes

Behavioral: Hydrotherapy classes

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT00123994

NAMCIG56

RFP 95/0203

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study is to determine, in the framework of a randomized controlled clinical trial, whether Tai Chi can affect measurable improvements in self-reported outcomes such as pain, physical function and psychological well-being in people with osteoarthritis (OA) mainly affecting the hips or knees. The effectiveness of Tai Chi will be compared with both a non-intervention control group as well as with a formal exercise program, hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy has long been considered an effective intervention for people with chronic OA although scientific evidence is weak at present. The main study hypotheses are that Tai Chi or hydrotherapy can significantly decrease pain and physical limitations; improve health-related quality of life; and promote psychological well being in patients with OA of the hip(s) or knee(s); and that Tai Chi and hydrotherapy are of equal efficacy.

Full description

A single blinded randomized controlled clinical trial with 3 allocation groups:

Tai Chi: maximum 15 people per group, twice weekly, 12 weeks.
Hydrotherapy: maximum 15 people per group, twice weekly, 12 weeks.
Control: 12 weeks waiting time prior to allocation to active intervention.

A specially designed Tai Chi program (Tai Chi for Arthritis, Paul Lam) will be provided in a community setting by trained instructors. Hydrotherapy sessions will be held at the St. George Hospital under supervision of registered physiotherapists with rheumatology and hydrotherapy experience.

Outcomes will be measured twice: 12 and 24 weeks after randomisation.

Sex

All

Ages

59 to 85 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hip(s) or knee(s) according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) clinical and radiographic (hip) criteria.

Exclusion criteria

Currently participating in recreational physical activity more than twice a week.
Unable to walk indoors for more than 10 minutes without a walking aid.
Unable to exercise at a moderate level due to major co-morbidity.
Incontinent, afraid of water or uncontrolled epilepsy.
Low back pain referring to limbs.
Joint replacement surgery in past year.
Arthroscopic surgery or intra-articular injections in knee or hip in past 3 months.