Clinical Trials Directory

Trials / Unknown

UnknownNCT00123994

Tai Chi or Hydrotherapy for People With Osteoarthritis of the Hip(s) or Knee(s)

Status
Unknown
Phase
N/A
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
150 (planned)
Sponsor
St George Hospital, Australia · Academic / Other
Sex
All
Age
59 Years – 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted

Summary

The aim of this study is to determine, in the framework of a randomized controlled clinical trial, whether Tai Chi can affect measurable improvements in self-reported outcomes such as pain, physical function and psychological well-being in people with osteoarthritis (OA) mainly affecting the hips or knees. The effectiveness of Tai Chi will be compared with both a non-intervention control group as well as with a formal exercise program, hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy has long been considered an effective intervention for people with chronic OA although scientific evidence is weak at present. The main study hypotheses are that Tai Chi or hydrotherapy can significantly decrease pain and physical limitations; improve health-related quality of life; and promote psychological well being in patients with OA of the hip(s) or knee(s); and that Tai Chi and hydrotherapy are of equal efficacy.

Detailed description

A single blinded randomized controlled clinical trial with 3 allocation groups: * Tai Chi: maximum 15 people per group, twice weekly, 12 weeks. * Hydrotherapy: maximum 15 people per group, twice weekly, 12 weeks. * Control: 12 weeks waiting time prior to allocation to active intervention. A specially designed Tai Chi program (Tai Chi for Arthritis, Paul Lam) will be provided in a community setting by trained instructors. Hydrotherapy sessions will be held at the St. George Hospital under supervision of registered physiotherapists with rheumatology and hydrotherapy experience. Outcomes will be measured twice: 12 and 24 weeks after randomisation.

Conditions

Interventions

TypeNameDescription
BEHAVIORALTai Chi classes
BEHAVIORALHydrotherapy classes

Timeline

Start date
2004-02-01
Completion
2005-10-01
First posted
2005-07-26
Last updated
2005-11-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Australia

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT00123994. Inclusion in this directory is not an endorsement.