Tai Chi Chuan benefits on osteoarthritis, balance and quality of life

Aim: This paper reviews international scientific studies aimed at determining the benefits of practicing Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) on knee osteoarthritis (OR), balance, fear of falling, and quality of life. Method: A bibliographic search of eight international databases was undertaken (Medline-Pubmed, Scirus, Pascal, ScienceDirect, SportDiscus, Science Citation Index, BIOSIS y PsycINFO) until April 2012. Results: A total of 74 studies were analyzed, 13 of them corresponding to systematic reviews and 61 to specific studies (42 randomized controlled studies (EAC) and 19 non-controlled studies (ENC)). In particular, 11 studies were analyzed regarding knee osteoarthritis (7 EAC and 4 ENC), 32 regarding balance-fear of falling (26 EAC and 6 ENC), and 30 regarding quality of life (18 EAC and 12 ENC). Conclusion: The effects of TCC on knee osteoarthritis are contradictory although a positive tendency was observed regarding control of pain and the improvement of physical functionality. Regarding the effects on balance-fear of falling, a significant improvement in static and dynamic balance was observed as well as confidence in terms of fear of falling. Regarding quality of life, TCC practice improves emotional well-being, self-perception and physical well-being. The obtained results should be treated with some caution since many of the studies examined show methodological weaknesses in the design (small samples, lack of inclusion and exclusion criteria for the participants, deficiencies in the statistical analyses, lack of standardization in the measurement of results, etc.), and the specific information about the conditions of the TCC program applied (style practised, dose, experience of the instructors, posture height, time spent carrying out each form).