# Effect of active mind-body movement therapies on older osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

## TL;DR

This study finds that active mind-body movement therapies, like Tai Ji, significantly reduce pain, stiffness, and improve joint function in older adults with osteoarthritis.

## Contribution

The study provides a meta-analysis showing the effectiveness of AMBMTs, particularly Tai Ji, in treating osteoarthritis in older adults.

## Key findings

- AMBMTs significantly reduced WOMAC pain scores in older adults with OA.
- Stiffness and joint function scores also improved significantly with AMBMTs.
- Tai Ji was identified as the most effective AMBMT for OA symptoms.

## Abstract

To systematically review the literature to quantify and compare the effects of active mind-body movement therapies (AMBMTs) on pain, stiffness, and joint function in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA).

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, and PEDro. The outcome measures included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

A total of 27 studies involving 1781 patients were obtained. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, the patients had significantly lower WOMAC pain score (SMD: −0.50, 95%CI: −0.68, −0.32; p < 0.01), stiffness score (SMD: −0.71, 95%CI: −1.02, −0.40; p < 0.01) and joint function score (SMD: −0.66, 95%CI: −0.85, −0.47; p < 0.01).

AMBMTs are a complementary therapy to improve pain in older adult patients with OA, of which Tai Ji is the most effective.