Tai chi, pilates and yoga exercise programme in hospital setting reduces stiffness and improves balance and fatigue in people with arthritis

Older adults experienced less pain, reduced stiffness and less fatigue after taking part in a hospital-based exercise programme, experts from the Hospital for Special Surgery in the US explain.
A total of 1,400 adults took part in a weekly exercise programmes, which included pilates, yoga, tai chi and dance.
Most people were over 75 years old (only 8% were under 65 years) and 92% were women. A total of 204 people completed questionnaires before and after completing the programme. Results showed:
• After the classes, fewer people had a high level of muscle/joint pain from their condition (56% before the programme started vs 47% after completing the programme);
• There were reductions in how much their pain interfered with their general activities, ability to walk, mood, sleep and enjoyment of life;
• Over 80% of people reported less stiffness;
• Over 80% said their balance had improved;
• Nearly 70% said they had less fatigue as a result of taking part in the programme;
• The greatest reduction in muscle/joint pain was reported by those who took tai chi.
“The survey results indicate that the hospital’s exercise programs have a positive impact on the musculoskeletal health of participants,” comments Sandra Goldsmith, director of public and patient education at Hospital for Special Surgery. “Our data indicate that hospital-based programs can play an important role in pain relief, improved quality of life and improved levels of physical activity in older individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.”

Image credit: Jasmine Kaloudis

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