RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS:

BREAKING NEWS: Tai Chi Shows Relief for Arthritis Pain, Improves Well-Being and Enhances Sleep

In the largest study to date of the Arthritis Foundation's Tai Chi program, participants showed improvement in pain, fatigue, stiffness and sense of well-being. Older adults also improved their ability to reach while maintaining balance, said Leigh Callahan, PhD, the study's lead author and professor in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. "Our study shows that there are significant benefits of the Tai Chi course for individuals with all types of arthritis, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis," Callahan said.

In the study, 354 participants were recruited from 20 sites in North Carolina and New Jersey and randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received the 8-week, twice-weekly Tai Chi course immediately while the other group was a delayed control group.
-- Global Health Aging, February 27, 2015
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No significant exacerbation of joint symptoms using this weight bearing system of exercises (Tai Chi) was observed. T'ai Chi exercises appear to be safe for RA patients...weight bearing exercises have the potential advantages of stimulating bone growth and strengthening connective tissue, ... American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, June 1991, 70 (3) p. 136-141

"Dear World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, Thank you for the health related news ....very informative....and beneficial to share with new tai chi / qigong enthusiasts thanks again...I appreciate what you do," Kathy Strandlie, Eagle River, Alaska