A new study reveals that an online Tai Chi program can significantly reduce chronic knee pain and improve physical function for individuals with osteoarthritis. The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, introduces a free, self-guided program called “My Joint Tai Chi,” developed by the University of Melbourne. This development is particularly important as it addresses the common barriers of cost, travel, and scheduling that often prevent individuals from participating in traditional, in-person Tai Chi classes. The study’s findings suggest that this online intervention could provide an accessible and effective option for the millions of people who suffer from chronic knee pain.
The research addresses a critical need for accessible and affordable exercise options for individuals with knee osteoarthritis, a condition that affects one in five Australians over the age of 45 and represents a significant burden on the healthcare system. Tai Chi, a gentle, mind-body exercise, has long been recognized for its benefits in managing chronic pain and improving a range of health conditions. However, its traditional delivery in group settings has limited its accessibility, especially for those in regional or remote areas. The “My Joint Tai Chi” program was designed to overcome these limitations by offering a complete, guided Tai Chi course online, which participants can follow at their own pace and in their own homes.
A digital solution for a widespread problem
Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide, leading to persistent pain and reduced mobility for millions of people. While exercise is a recommended treatment for this condition, adherence to exercise programs can be challenging due to a variety of factors, including the logistical difficulties of attending in-person classes. The development of the “My Joint Tai Chi” program was initiated to address this gap in accessible care, providing a digital alternative that maintains the core principles of this ancient practice. The program was co-designed with a panel of expert Tai Chi instructors and individuals living with osteoarthritis to ensure its safety, appropriateness, and practicality for an unsupervised, at-home setting.
The “My Joint Tai Chi” program
The online program consists of 12 pre-recorded, 40-minute videos, with one video released each week for 12 weeks. Participants are encouraged to practice the exercises three times a week. Each session is led by an experienced Tai Chi instructor and includes a warm-up, a cool-down, and a modified 10-form Yang-style Tai Chi routine. The program was designed to be engaging and easy to follow, even for individuals with no prior experience with Tai Chi. The development team also created a companion app to help encourage adherence to the program.
Evaluating the effectiveness of online Tai Chi
To test the efficacy of the “My Joint Tai Chi” program, researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial known as the RETREAT study. The study enrolled 178 participants who met the clinical criteria for knee osteoarthritis in Australia between August 2023 and November 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group that received access to the “My Joint Tai Chi” program and a control group that was given access to a website with information about osteoarthritis and the benefits of exercise. This study design allowed researchers to isolate the effects of the Tai Chi intervention and compare it to a more passive form of online education.
Study methodology and outcomes
The primary outcomes measured in the study were changes in knee pain while walking and difficulty with physical function over the 12-week intervention period. Secondary outcomes included other measures of knee pain, quality of life, physical and mental well-being, fear of movement, self-efficacy, and balance confidence. The researchers also tracked participants’ use of oral medications and their overall satisfaction with the program. Of the 178 participants, 170 completed the primary outcomes at 12 weeks, indicating a high level of engagement with the study.
Significant improvements in pain and function
The results of the RETREAT study demonstrated that the online Tai Chi program was significantly more effective at reducing knee pain and improving physical function than the online education program alone. Participants in the Tai Chi group reported greater improvements in their symptoms, with twice as many individuals in this group reporting an overall improvement in their knee condition compared to the control group. The study also found that the Tai Chi group experienced greater improvements in quality of life, physical and mental well-being, and balance confidence. Importantly, no serious adverse events were reported in the Tai Chi group, highlighting the safety of this online intervention.
The future of accessible exercise
The findings of this study have important implications for the management of knee osteoarthritis, suggesting that online, unsupervised Tai Chi can be a safe and effective treatment option. This is particularly significant given the accessibility challenges associated with traditional in-person classes. By providing a free and easily accessible program, interventions like “My Joint Tai Chi” have the potential to reach a much larger audience of individuals who could benefit from this form of exercise. The researchers behind the study are committed to improving the well-being of people with musculoskeletal conditions through their research, and this online program is a significant step in that direction.
Participant experiences
Participants in the “My Joint Tai Chi” program reported high levels of satisfaction and indicated that they would highly recommend it to others. In interviews, participants described the program as relaxing, engaging, and easy to follow. Many appreciated the positive experience of learning a new skill, and some noted the direct benefits they experienced. One participant commented on the “knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging instructor” and stated that “the most positive thing is that my knee does feel better.”
A growing body of evidence
This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the use of Tai Chi for knee osteoarthritis. The American College of Rheumatology already recommends Tai Chi as a treatment for this condition. Other studies have also identified Tai Chi as one of the most effective mind-body exercises for improving pain and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The TAICHIKNEE study, another ongoing trial, is also investigating the effectiveness of a remote-delivery Tai Chi program for adults with knee osteoarthritis, further highlighting the interest in this accessible form of treatment. As research in this area continues, it is likely that online Tai Chi will become an increasingly common and recommended option for individuals seeking to manage their chronic knee pain.
