Today's back pain blog post is about the first randomised, controlled trial aimed at investigating the effects of the ancient art of Tai-Chi on the reduction of pain and disability. In particular it's effects on low back pain.
In a report by Jennifer Davis on the arthritis today website an Australian study, conducted by Chris Maher PhD, a professor at the University of Sydney, and a director of the George Institute for Global Health, seems to show that people with low back pain experienced a 25% reduction in their pain intensity when they completed tai-chi programs.
Most of the participants agreed that the reduction in pain was a worthwhile result. The study involved 160 chronic low back pain sufferers between the ages of 18 and 70. All having pain of an unspecified origin for at least three months. This is typical of 90-95% of back pain cases.
78 of the study group took part in 40 minute tai-chi classes twice a week for eight weeks, then once a week for two weeks. The remainder of the group continued with their usual fitness and health routines.
After ten weeks the tai-chi group reported a 23% improvement for pain and a 32% improvement for disability. While the control group reported an increase in pain levels.
This seems to me quite a significant result, and the fact that tai-chi is a gentle, non-impact form of discipline, suitable for all ages, makes me wonder why more people in the western world havn't taken it up.
I don't do new year resolutions, but I'm thinking I might just find a local tai-chi group and have a go myself. If you are interested in reading the full report use this link.
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