Effects of Tai Chi on Multisite Pain and Brain Functions in Older Adults

The main purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week Tai Chi program for community-dwelling older adults with chronic multisite pain and a history of falling. In addition, the investigators examined the effects of Tai Chi on pain characteristics, cognition, physical function, gait mobility, levels of pain-related biomarkers, fear of falling and rate of falls in these older adults.

Older adults aged ≥65 years with multisite pain who reported falling in the past year or current use of an assistive device were recruited from Boston area communities. Participants were randomized to either a Tai Chi (N=28) or a light physical exercise (N=26) program, offered twice weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the 12-week Tai Chi/light exercise program. Secondary outcomes included pain characteristics (pain severity and pain interference), cognition (attention and executive function), physical function (walking speed, strength, and balance), gait mobility (singe-task and dual-task gait), levels of pain-related markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and beta endorphin), fear of falling, and rate of falls.

Individuals in the Tai Chi intervention group will participate in a 12-week Tai Chi program (one hour per class, two classes per week, plus home practice for 12 weeks) led by an experienced Tai Chi Instructor, assisted by an undergraduate research assistant.

Individuals in the exercise control group will meet for a twice weekly class involving walking, weight training, stretching and health education (one hour per class, two classes per week for 12 weeks, taught by a trained graduate research assistant, assisted by an undergraduate research assistant.

Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated by adherence, attendance, optimal program components, and safety.

Attention was evaluated by using the Test of Everyday Attention (TEA) questionnaire. Executive function was evaluated by using the Trailmaking A and B tests questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria: Age of 65 years and older Multisite (2 or more sites) musculoskeletal pain At least one fall in the past year, or currently on an assistive device A sedentary lifestyle Be able to walk 20-feet without personal assistance Be able to communicate in English. Exclusion Criteria: Regular Tai Chi practice Unstable cardiac disease Stroke Rheumatoid arthritis Degenerative neuromuscular disease Parkinson's disease Terminal disease Dementing illness

You T, Ogawa EF, Thapa S, Cai Y, Zhang H, Nagae S, Yeh GY, Wayne PM, Shi L, Leveille SG. Tai Chi for older adults with chronic multisite pain: a randomized controlled pilot study. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2018 Nov;30(11):1335-1343. doi: 10.1007/s40520-018-0922-0. Epub 2018 Mar 6.