Tai Chi for older adults with chronic multisite pain: a randomized controlled pilot study

BackgroundChronic pain is associated with poorer cognition and mobility, and fall risk in older adults.AimsTo investigate the feasibility of a randomized controlledtrial of mind-body exercise (Tai Chi) versus light physical exercise in older adults with multisite pain.MethodsAdults aged 65years 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 or a light physical exercise program, offered twice weekly for 12weeks. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcomes included pain characteristics, cognition, physical function, gait mobility, fear of falling, and fall rate.ResultsOf 176 adults screened, 85 were eligible, and 54 consented and enrolled (average age 758years; 96.30% white; 75.93% female). The dropout rate was 18% for Tai Chi and 12% for light physical exercise. For those completing the study, exercise class attendance ratewas 76% for Tai Chi and 82% for light physical exercise. There were no significant group differences in most secondary outcomes. Tai Chi significantly lowered pain severity (4.58 +/- 1.73 to 3.73 +/- 1.79, p<0.01) and pain interference (4.20 +/- 2.53 to 3.16 +/- 2.28, p<0.05), reduced fear of falling (90.82 +/- 9.59to96.84 +/- 10.67, p<0.05), and improved several single-task and dual-task gait variables, while light physical exercise did not change these measures.Discussion and conclusionsThis study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a larger randomized controlled trial in older adults with multisite pain. Study findings and challenges encountered will inform future research.