Individual analysis of dynamic stability for twenty-four Tai Chi forms among persons with knee osteoarthritis: A pilot study.

The final analysis included eight participants after dropouts, although ten were enrolled. This was a pilot study, so it was not designed to prove that Tai Chi forms improve balance or reduce falls. Only people with mild to moderate knee OA and no Tai Chi experience were studied, so the findings may not apply to people with frailty, other severe lower-limb problems, or other medical conditions. The study measured stability during performance of each form, not the effect of practicing the forms over time. Dynamic stability did not reflect physical difficulty, time demands, or cognitive demands of learning the forms. Only one group was included, without healthy age-matched or Tai Chi master comparison groups.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The article is listed as supported by NIH extramural research.

Do not conclude that selecting Tai Chi forms based on these results will prevent falls. The study only measured balance stability during performance in eight adults with knee OA and did not test a training program or fall outcomes.