WATER THERAPY, TAI CHI ease ARTHRITIS symptoms

Water therapy and Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese art of gentle movements, have seemed like naturals in helping to reduce osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms among older people. Now that idea has been confirmed by a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Researchers studied 152 people, ranging in age from 59 to 85, with ongoing pain from hip or knee OA. The study participants were assigned to three months of twice-weekly one-hour classes of either hydrotherapy (water therapy) or Tai Chi, or to a waiting list (a control group). The hydrotherapy classes involved gentle exercises in warm, waist-deep water. The Tai Chi group followed a program of slow, continuous movements that improve strength, balance, posture, and relaxation. The Tai Chi classes were modified for people with arthritis. All participants were evaluated at the end of the study and again three months later. Both hydrotherapy and Tai Chi produced sustained improvements in joint pain and physical function.