A Review of Tai-Chi and its Potential Benefits for Older Community Dwelling Adults with Osteoarthritis in the Context of Covid-19

Osteoarthritis, a chronic condition resulting in considerable disability, particularly in later life, not only impacts life quality significantly and severely, but is also strongly associated with the health conditions most often found in older coronavirus [COVID-19] patients. This review aimed to synthesize whether Tai Chi as applied to aging adults with this condition, in likely to be highly efficacious, in general, and especially during this current pandemic of isolation and social distancing. A second aim was to provide directives for professionals serving or likely to serve this population at this time and in the near future in the event no effective COVID-19 vaccine or treatment is forthcoming. The article specifically focuses on examining the efficacy of various forms of Tai Chi as intervention strategies for minimising the disability of older adults living in the community diagnosed as having osteoarthritis. To this end, the author attempted to include a broad overview of all relevant articles published in the English language on the topic, rather than any systematic review. Collectively, these data reveal that while more research may be helpful, Tai Chi─practiced widely in China for many centuries as an art form, as well as a religious ritual, relaxation technique, exercise, and self-defense method─may be a very useful intervention strategy for older adults in the community diagnosed as having osteoarthritis, as well as for reducing associated health problems that heighten COVID-19 risk. They specifically suggest health educators and others working with people diagnosed as having osteoarthritis can safely recommend this form of exercise to most people with this condition with the expectation that consistent Tai Chi practices will be protective in multiple ways, as well as heightening their life quality and overall health status.

Keywords: aging, COVID-19, disability, exercise, intervention, life quality, osteoarthritis, pain, Tai Chi.