Effects of Tai Chi on Multisite Pain and Brain Functions in Older Adults

The main purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week Tai Chi program for community-dwelling older adults with chronic multisite pain and a history of falling. In addition, the investigators examined the effects of Tai Chi on pain characteristics, cognition, physical function, gait mobility, levels of pain-related biomarkers, fear of falling and rate of falls in these older adults.

Older adults aged ≥65 years 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 (N=28) or a light physical exercise (N=26) program, offered twice weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the 12-week Tai Chi/light exercise program. Secondary outcomes included pain characteristics (pain severity and pain interference), cognition (attention and executive function), physical function (walking speed, strength, and balance), gait mobility (singe-task and dual-task gait), levels of pain-related markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and beta endorphin), fear of falling, and rate of falls.