Tai Chi Intervention for Geriatric Pain Syndrome

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, BOSTON · Oct 10, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of Tai Chi on older adults who experience chronic pain in multiple areas of their body and are at risk of falling. Researchers believe that Tai Chi, which is a gentle form of exercise that combines movement and mindfulness, might help reduce pain, improve mental focus, and increase mobility. The trial will last for 24 weeks and aims to see if practicing Tai Chi can help these individuals feel better and reduce the chances of falling.

To participate, individuals need to be at least 65 years old, have ongoing pain in at least two areas, and have had at least one fall in the past year or use a walking aid like a cane or walker. They should be able to walk 20 feet without assistance and communicate in English. However, those who exercise vigorously, have practiced Tai Chi recently, or have certain health conditions may not be eligible. If you join, you can expect to learn Tai Chi in a supportive environment and help researchers understand how this practice can benefit older adults with chronic pain.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. be 65 years or older
• • 2. report chronic multisite (≥2 sites) musculoskeletal pain
• • 3. have had 1 or more falls in the past year or current use of an assistive device (a cane or walker)
• • 4. be able to walk 20 feet without help
• • 5. be able to communicate in English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. actively engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for more than 40 min/week
• • 2. practiced Tai Chi or other mind-body exercise within the past year, or practiced Tai Chi or other mind-body exercise regularly for at least 3 months within the past 5 years
• • 3. have moderate to severe cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score \<18)
• • 4. have a diagnosis of a disease/condition that would interfere with their study participation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, degenerative neuromuscular disease, unstable cardiac disease, Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, terminal disease)