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Beneficial Effects and Potential Mechanisms of Tai Chi on Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: A Biopsychosocial Perspective

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Abstract

Lower limb osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, multifactorial disease characterized by impaired physical function, chronic pain, compromised psychological health and decreased social functioning. Chronic inflammation plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of OA. Tai Chi is a type of classical mind-body exercise derived from ancient Chinese martial arts. Evidence supports that Tai Chi has significant benefits for relieving lower limb OA symptoms. Using a biopsychosocial framework, this review aims to elucidate the beneficial effects of Tai Chi in lower limb OA and disentangle its potential mechanisms from the perspective of biology, psychology, and social factors. Complex biomechanical, biochemical, neurological, psychological, and social mechanisms, including strengthening of muscles, proprioception improvement, joint mechanical stress reduction, change of brain activation and sensitization, attenuation of inflammation, emotion modulation and social support, are discussed.

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  1. Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China

    Shu-zhao Zhuang, Pei-jie Chen, Jia Han & Wei-hua Xiao

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  1. Shu-zhao Zhuang
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  2. Pei-jie Chen
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Zhuang SZ wrote the manuscript. Xiao WH and Han J revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript for publication.

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Correspondence to Wei-hua Xiao.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Supported by Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance (No.11DZ2261100) and “Shuguang Program” (20SG50) funded by Shanghai Education Development Foundation and Shanghai Municipale Education Commission

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Zhuang, Sz., Chen, Pj., Han, J. et al. Beneficial Effects and Potential Mechanisms of Tai Chi on Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: A Biopsychosocial Perspective. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 29, 368–376 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-021-3529-9

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