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Arthritis pain can have an insidious effect on functional mobility
and health in people. Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong appear to be ideal
for people suffering from arthritic conditions. Tai Chi is very
low impact and therefore unlikely to aggravate arthritis symptoms.
One study measured the effect of 10 weeks of Tai Chi practice by
subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. No exacerbation of joint symptoms
was found and subjects reported increases in mobility. Another investigator
conducted a trial examining the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on osteoarthritis.
A total of 33 participants with hip and knee osteoarthritis completed
a 12 week training course. They found that compared to controls
the Tai Chi group had significant improvement in arthritis self-efficacy
scale, level of tension, satisfaction and general health status.
It makes sense that Tai Chi and Qigong would be effective in treating
or preventing osteoarthritis of the legs, especially when a "knock-knee"
pattern is present. This structural malalignment often cause degeneration
by increasing compression and degeneration in the outside of the
knee joint. Tai Chi and Qigong can reduce or eliminate this skeletal
misalignment through engagement of the muscles that rotate the thigh
outward. This muscle activity opposes the forces that tend to cause
the knock-knee posture and flat foot.
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