Journal article
The Effects of Tai Chi and Neck Exercises in the Treatment of Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The Journal of Pain, Vol.17(9), pp.1013-1027
09/2016
PMID: 27345663
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Source: InCites
Abstract
This study aimed to test the efficacy of Tai Chi for treating chronic neck pain. Subjects with chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of group Tai Chi or conventional neck exercises with weekly sessions of 75 to 90 minutes, or a wait-list control. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity (visual analogue scale). Secondary outcomes included pain on movement, functional disability, quality of life, well-being and perceived stress, postural and interoceptive awareness, satisfaction, and safety. Altogether, 114 participants were included (91 women, 49.4 ± 11.7 years of age). After 12 weeks Tai Chi participants reported significantly less pain compared with the wait list group (average difference in mm on the visual analogue scale: −10.5; 95% confidence interval, −20.3 to −.9; P = .033). Group differences were also found for pain on movement, functional disability, and quality of life compared with the wait list group. No differences were found for Tai Chi compared with neck exercises. Patients’ satisfaction with both exercise interventions was high, and only minor side effects were observed. Tai Chi was more effective than no treatment in improving pain in subjects with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Because Tai Chi is probably as effective as neck exercises it may be considered a suitable alternative to conventional exercises for those with a preference toward Tai Chi.
Perspective: This article presents results of a randomized controlled trial comparing Tai Chi, conventional neck exercises, and no treatment for chronic nonspecific neck pain. Results indicate that Tai Chi exercises and conventional neck exercises are equally effective in improving pain and quality of life therefore representing beneficial interventions for neck pain.
Details
- Title
- The Effects of Tai Chi and Neck Exercises in the Treatment of Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Creators
- Romy Lauche - University of Duisburg-EssenChristoph Stumpe - University of Duisburg-EssenJohannes Fehr - University of Duisburg-EssenHolger Cramer - University of Duisburg-EssenYing Wu Cheng - Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicinePeter M Wayne - Brigham and Women's HospitalThomas Rampp - University of Duisburg-EssenJost Langhorst - University of Duisburg-EssenGustav Dobos - University of Duisburg-Essen
- Publication Details
- The Journal of Pain, Vol.17(9), pp.1013-1027
- Publisher
- Churchill Livingstone
- Identifiers
- 991013036343202368
- Copyright
- © 2016 by the American Pain Society
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health; National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article